Monday, January 23, 2006

Lost and Found

Excerpts from Lost and Found by Rica Bolipata-Santos
The Philippine STAR, Section G-1
Sunday, January 22, 2006

I always think of this yellow paperclip I had lost as a kid. I loved this yellow paperclip for some strange reason - maybe it was the shape I loved or the color. One day, I lost it. I remember clearly understanding for the first time loss, that it could happen so easily, no matter how vigilant one was; no matter how much one loved something, or someone.

A few days later, I found it among my clothes. Such joy at the revelation that it was only lost, to me. Because that is one thing I can take hope in: things are never lost completely. They are put away. They are misplaced. Someone else takes them. Sometimes, they are transformed into something else. But nothing ever disintegrates or disappears. That precious paperclip lies somewhere in this world - it must have a new shape, or a new color, or even a new form. Just like the love you have for someone who has gone. That love does not disintegrate either. One day when you least expect it (this I can imagine because I am a romantic), you will find that things are less... achy. You will be amazed at how much the heart can bear. And yes, you and I will be grateful for all that we've lost and all that we've found, in time.

* * *

You can reach me, looking for my lost pen at Rica.Santos@gmail.com

Sunday, January 15, 2006

A Special Link to Fight Pompe

I'm happy to introduce you to a Fight against Pompe. May Ann, the greatest illustrator in the world (of course I'm biased!), designed the first illustration for Fight Pompe for my friend Dickoy Magdaraog.

I love mixing friends: that is, being a Connector (as Malcolm Gladwell described it in The Tipping Point) among my different urban tribes and across various groups of friends and contacts. I like introducing people to others because of a shared interest or a special need. I like being the "missing link" between strangers. I like making the world an even smaller place.

May Ann, of course, is the amazing PBBY-Alcala winning illustrator of my book The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots (her work is so amazing that my friend suggested May Ann gets her hands insured!). Dickoy is my boss' oldest son and is one of the most inspiring people I know. He has a rare condition called Pompe's Disease but remains happy and positive with his "thisability": he works, blogs, chats, jokes around, loves books, and enjoys writing. His blog documents his fight against Pompe, especially now as he receives bi-weekly infusions of a special enzyme and while he raises funds through an online store for FightPompe merchandise. Dickoy needed an artist and I referred May Ann in a blink: I knew she'd be perfect for his projects.

I'm glad I created a special link between Dickoy and May Ann. The Yellow Paperclip once again earned another Bright Purple Spot (welcome aboard, Dickoy!). Cheers to you both!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

An Apple Paperclip a Day

Ms. Leony gave me these colorful plastic paperclips for a cool Christmas present! I don't think I've seen apple paperclips before. I thought that was extra thoughtful of her. I now use them in the office for those extra special notes or reminders. If I use an apple paperclip a day, will that keep the doctor (or perhaps the boss... hee-hee... I'm just kidding!) away?

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Happy New Yellow Year!

Thank you, Papa, for these cool, giant (they're four inches long!), shiny yellow (gold?) paperclips! He gave them to me as a New Year's day gift.

Here's to an amazing, well-lived, bright-happy-yellow 2006 for you and me! I have a good feeling about this year. I've yet to complete my Wish List but I know what I want...