Audio recordings of the selected pieces of BLJ issue 2 have been uploaded for everybody’s enjoyment.
 
The highlight, in addition to the animated voices of the original writers, is of course the generous voice submission from the distinguished Hong Kong actress Ms Flora Chan Wai San (陳慧珊) (for “The Flower”) and renowned scholar Dr Gary Harfitt (for “Recipe for Disaster”), with both pieces written by John Foster.
 
I myself humbly join the brilliant voice team again by performing two longer pieces. Reading aloud is fun!
 
Have lots of fun reading, writing and listening...this is BALLOONS Lit. Journal!


Pete

For BLJ’s First Anniversary...

“I would to express my warmest congratulation on the BALLOONS Lit. Journal’s birthday. I am fascinated by the journal every time I read it. It is full of refreshing materials for young people in Hong Kong and elsewhere. The folks who run it also deserve a big hug from the journal’s faithful readers. It is their passion that helps create THE most inspiring literature journal for young people.”

￭ Xuesong Gao, Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong


“Happy birthday for BLJ! Hope it can continue to cultivate interest of literature in teenagers ;)”
 
￭ Justin Lee (13), student, Hong Kong
 
 
“Honored to contribute. Happy birthday! You deserve great credit for
enabling art to be.  All best to you!

Like light through a window, let BLJ be.
Let such art unveil hope
that no matter how discordant life can be,
rhyme can be.
     And morning bird
can sing.

Thanks for the window.”
 
￭ Joe Bisicchia, poet, USA
 

“Congratulations to all involved with BLJ on two wonderful issues. Happy birthday!”

￭ John Foster, poet, UK


“Congratulations to BALLOONS Lit Journal for receiving such a great success ever since its launch a year ago! This unique Balloon is definitely lifting writers and artists around the world up in a new high level. As a reader, I look forward to reading the distinctive voices which are being heard and stored. Happy Birthday to Balloons!”
 
￭ Claire Leung Tang, Poet, USA
​

​“Congratulations to BLJ! As you turn ONE, you have found your position as a wonderful platform for promoting English language arts among young readers in Hong Kong and beyond, and for youthful-minded writers from all over the world to share the fun of creative writing. Thank you for your passion in founding BLJ to showcase how creativity, imagination, wildness and elegance can be expressed in the English language.”
 
￭ Mrs. Helen Yung, Assistant Principal, King's College, Hong Kong
 
 
“Not only did BLJ make its way around the world successfully, it is also about to enjoy its second journey around the sun! I'm glad that I can be one of those to wish happy birthday for BLJ. Can't wait to see the next issue!”
 
￭ Christopher J. Lo, undergraduate, Canada
 
 
“Congratulations! BALLOONS Lit Journal is a successful internet magazine. I wish BLJ happy birthday and do hope that in the future she will have 100 issues and millions of fans. I am proud of being a member in the BLJ club!”
 
￭ Jason Hui (11), student, Hong Kong
 
 
“I truly enjoy reading this magazine. It is a breath of fresh air, so creative, so unassuming and inspiring! I am grateful for all the effort that is put forth to make this happen and also appreciate the continuing synergy to surge ahead. Happy birthday BALLOONS Lit. Journal. May you stay true, stay young and stay around.”
 
￭ Sauling Hicks, retired, USA
 
 
“BALLOONS is an enchanting blend of story-telling, art, and poetry that opens windows into the world around us. Surprise endings, bright dazzling lights, and a backward glance over our own childhood. From subtle to blatant, there is an offering for everyone. Congratulations, BALLOONS!”
 
￭ John Hicks, retired, USA
 
​
Hilarious to read through.
And I am joyful to have 
Participated in the sceneries written.
Production of a marvelous learning platform,
Yearning to be applauded by readers.

Below the moonlight,
In the hug of the nature, I
Read through the newly published BALLOONS where
Those creative authors
Have put effort.
Dear all, let's
Appreciate the wonderful BALLOONS.
Yo! It's her one-year-old birthday!

￭ Dennis Wan (13), student, Hong Kong

​
“Congratulations on the first anniversary of BALLOONS Lit. Journal. I am so pleased to have been included in the print and audio versions of your inaugural issue.  Not only is your publication a delight for children and adults, it is truly masterful in both its technical and artistic presentation.”

￭ Fern G. Z. Carr, poet, Canada


“I can't believe the magazine has already turned one! I can still remember the day when it was born...I’ve learnt a lot from it since then. Thank you and wish you a happy birthday!”

￭ Ronney Chang (13), student, Hong Kong


“Congratulations to BLJ and its wonderful writing by children and grown-ups.  The variety of pieces is unique, and also unique is the fact that BLJ does not talk down to children.  The magazine's approach is both serious and whimsical, intellectual and accessible.  Best wishes for another successful year!”

￭ Susan Gundlach, poet, USA


“BLJ has given me not a magazine, but a world of creativity. Different voices around the world form a sophisticated burst of colors through writings and artworks. It helps me grow not only as a reader, but also a writer. It inspires me, motivates me and challenges me. I can relate much myself to this magazine because this is unique.”

￭ John Michael G. Londres, student, Philippines