The Yellow Paperclip Hangs Out in San Diego with My Best Fjupy Womyn Friends

Here's our semi-virtual Fjupy Reunion over the weekend when Trixy and her goober Adrian drove down to San Diego to visit Julia and John. Adrian promised me that I'd be there too so yes, that's "me" in a Manila folder! (You're the coolest, Ade!) My favorite fjupy couples were in the same Starbucks that our fjupy selves were in last April 2005, when we had our first real reunion since our high school graduation in 1997. Click HERE for photos of our daggy days in San Diego.

My Fjupy Friends. The three of us were inseparable in our last two years of high school in Singapore. Nikki, Julia and Trixy. The Poet, the Lover and the Lunatic. The Brain, the Bimbo and the Bitch. Two Filipinas and a Swede (kind of like an Oreo cookie, or so Julia always said). Tres Marias. Three IBH Art students. Three completely different women but the bestest of friends. The Fjupy Womyn.

The what womyn, er women? What kind of f-word is that?! Fjupy (pronounced "fyoopee") is a Swedish-like word we made up to describe... well, anything. It can be a superlative adjective or an expression of delight. It describes that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when your goober gives you a hug. (Julia, what's a goober again? Hee-hee.) Fjupy is when Trix talks with her hands and fingers. It's the essence of all of our D&M (deep and meaningful) conversations. It can also mean, as inspired by Levin (yes, of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, my one true love in high school), that silence which preserves the loftiness of emotions. Fjupy can mean anything we want it to mean. But it captures our fjupy friendship in a way other words simply can't.

See just how fjupy these fjupy womyn are to me? They're a big part of my Yellow Paperclip dream! Here's my photo in the book (thanks for the fun photo, May Ann!)... it came from the original photo above, taken in San Diego last year at Balboa Park. I flew to California with some slight hesitation. I didn't know what to expect. Compared to our high school selves, we were all grown up after eight years apart. Since we were never good at emailing regularly, there were so many separate memories and untold stories between us. My thought bubbles were everywhere. Where were we going to start?! Would it be awkward? How do we catch up with eight years of our lives in just two days together? Will it be just like the good ole fjupy days? It took us a few moments to actually get used to being all together again (we were sitting in the car in silence, just looking at each other and giggling)... but then the fjupy friendship took over and we ended up yakking away until 7 a.m.! Alamak, what was I thinking?! Why was I even worried? We were essentially the same fjupy womyn (albeit rounder, thinner, with longer/shorter hair, married, single), as daggy and D&M-ish and fjupy as ever. It wasn't even a question of catching up on the last eight years, but more of starting anew where we left off and taking our fjupy friendship into the next phase of our lives: NOW.

Trix and Julia, I look forward to our next (virtual or real) fjupy reunion. I love you, womyn!

Blast from the Past: A Coincidence... or a Conspiracy?

Wow. I got that incredible feeling of happy disbelief (again!) when I opened my inbox today. I got an email from Grace, the older sister of a good friend from fifth grade. Grace, a.k.a. Mommy Grace, was like our coach in the basketball varsity team (yes, even at 4'10", I used to play basketball!). Her short email read:

Don't know if you still remember me. I'm Grace, the sister of Christine, your batchmate in Zobel. Firstly, I just want to say hi and say "well done!" on your book. Actually, that's not it. I'm currently working at the prep library of Zobel when I came across your name on one of the books I was given to process. I just found it so weird and ironic that, like your yellow paperclip, your book has come full circle back to where you started to read and write...

Although I didn't start to read and write in Zobel (I was reading Nancy Drew and writing stories a la Sweet Valley High by the fifth grade), it is amazing how I've sort of come full circle with the good ole Yellow Paperclip. Could it be a mere coincidence that Christine is on my list of People to Reconnect With in 2006? I doubt it. There are no coincidences. Just a conspiracy (a.k.a. The Master Plan) and lots of surprising connections and reconnections. I love it how a paperclip has helped me create ties and rediscover links to different people and places.

I can't wait to see them both and a The Yellow Paperclip Goes to Zobel post soon...

The Yellow Paperclip Goes to Germany

Stef is like a sister to May Ann and also an amazing artist. May Ann sent her a copy of our storybook and Stef said it was the "sweetest Christmas present... a sweet story with gorgeous illustrations"! I like her personal quote from her site: In the end, everything is going to be okay. And if it's not okay, it's not the end. I agree completely.

I'm glad you enjoyed the story, Stef! You're just as unique and colorful!

The Yellow Paperclip Goes to Peru

Alejo is yet another fellow deviant artist and one of May Ann's best friends. I think he's the very first person in South America to get our storybook! Wow! May Ann sent him a copy for his birthday. He's a great pixel artist and deviant of many interesting talents. What colorful adventure will you start today, Alejo?

The Yellow Paperclip Goes to Australia

Kerstin (a.k.a. Ninke) is a good deviant artist friend of May Ann Licudine, my down-to-earth friend and illustrator extraordinaire. She sent May Ann this photo of her after getting a copy of our book. Wow, wouldn't it be cool if everyone who read our story got bright pink spirals on their cheeks? She's an emoticonist and has amazingly expressive and colorful artwork.

Felicia (a.k.a. Leficia) is another one of May Ann's good friends and fellow deviant artist. She looks a little uncomfortable after she got her wisdom tooth pulled out, but still very happy with The Yellow Paperclip! She's a 17-year-old pencil artist, writer and poet.

Good to know that our story has reached Down Under. Hope you enjoyed our storybook, Kerstin and Felicia!

The Yellow Paperclip attends a PSTD Tipanan

The Philippine Society for Training and Development is a non-stock, non-profit professional organization of Human Resource and Organization Development practitioners in the country. The Tipanan is a monthly general membership meeting; today's Tipanan featured "The Five Languages of Love" in celebration of Valentine's Day. I was invited by Susan Tayag of Bankard, a true DDI champion, to speak about books on love and relationships. I agreed except I told her I'd limit my quick review on children's books. I read excerpts and talked about The Missing Piece and The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein. *Sniff.* I love those books. Every time I read them I still get a lump in my throat.

I got to introduce my book and talk about it very briefly. I guess they were intrigued because a number of participants came up to me after asking if I had copies to sell! Unfortunately, I didn't have enough with me. PSTD said they'll organize a book sale and signing at next month's Tipanan instead. Wow!

Before I forget. I saw a pink paperclip by my left front wheel in the parking lot across Cocolife Building.

The (Shy) Yellow Paperclip Meets a Children's Poet and Lots of New People

I attended an event with writer and poet Lara Saguisag tonight sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Lara discussed and read poetry for children to a diverse group of people. Bec, an English teacher at ISM who studied poetry at Cambridge. Jandy, my classmate in Ateneo for an elective on Writing and Illustrating for Children. Pepper, illustrator extraordinaire and my teacher for that class. Jeline, an old friend from Heights, the literary publication of Ateneo. Rowena, a corporate trainer and writer. Reni, publisher for Tahanan Books. Nikki from the CCP. Ani from Adarna. Several moms who read to their children at bedtime. Chiles, an old acquaintance, doctor-by-profession, and fellow fan of children's literature. (Thanks, Chiles, for telling me about tonight's event!)

The first hour was spent with each of us introducing ourselves and talking about our favorite children's book. I didn't even know we were supposed to bring a book; but it was a good thing I brought a copy of The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots because I wanted to give it to Lara as a thank-you gift. I was actually really nervous. I honestly felt a little uncomfy talking about my book infront of the SCBWI... I felt like such a novice, like a naive freshman in a tambayan of graduating seniors. On hindsight, I should have said more, shared more. I should have told them all the amazing stories behind my story. I should have shared the inspiration behind it all. I should have said something about this blog. (So why didn't you, Nikki?!)

Maybe it's because I don't have any formal training in children's literature. I don't have an MFA in Creative Writing (although it's at the back of my mind...). I can't rattle off names of famous authors and illustrators of children's books. But... what am I talking about? It should be enough that I really enjoy reading books for children. (For example: I got teary rereading The Missing Piece Meets the Big O over the weekend!) I love all the funky illustrations and silly or serious plots. I love the different layers we can read. Children's books have changed my life so I really should speak out.

I'll do better on Wednesday when I speak at the PSTD Tipanan. I hope. (No, I will. I'll keep you posted.)

A Paperclip I Can Call my Own

Literally! Ate Kim gave me this cool custom-made paperclip, designed by her friend from LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts in Singapore. Isn't it pretty? Advanced happy Valentine's day to everyone!

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

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!

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?

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...

Bright Purple Spot in 2005: REUNIONS!

Tita Gang and Tita Yelley on an impromptu beach getaway.


Julia was a fellow little tourist in New York City.


Ateneo friends in big city/small world New York City.


With Stephie, long-lost friend and almost-native New Yorker.


One day and an evening with Ursula in LA, a bottle of red wine, and non-stop conversation.


Hanging out with my Fjupy Womyn, Trixy and Julia, in San Diego.


Wow Philippines: Taja and Chris in Manila and Bohol.


Ate Kim's early Christmas celebration in Manila.

Bright Purple Spot in 2005: TRAVEL!

Punta Fuego with DDI Friends. Laiya with Gang and Yelle.



Pittsburgh with Vanette. New York City with Julia, Jason and Stephie.



LA with Ursula. San Diego with Trix & Ade, Julia & John.



Cebu with DDI. Bohol with Taja, Chris and Bub.

A Christmas Elephant with Pink Spots

It's great how paperclips come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Check out this purple elephant with pink spots (plus a striped snout, green ears and yellow feet)! This is Ate Kim's pasalubong from Singapore. I've never seen an elephant with pink spots before.

Not even at Powerbooks where they sell these giant funky paperclips. Last Christmas, I bought two for my close paperclippy friends, Tita Gang and Tobbie. I got a pink paperclip with a butterfly for her, and a black shiny paperclip with a smiling sunshiney sun for him. But I've never seen an elephant with pink spots before; have you?

Now you have.

Christmas Wish: Amazon.com... here I come?

I gave a copy of my book to my good friend Paul who works at Amazon.com in Seattle. He dropped by on Christmas Day to say hello. We hadn't seen each other in more than two years so it was nice to catch up and reminisce. The Yellow Paperclip will get to travel to Seattle soon enough. Perhaps one day you can even purchase my storybook online at Amazon! That's a good Christmas wish... and definitely a bright purple spot!

The Much-Awaited Package from Pittsburgh

Wow. I still can't believe it. I finally got to pick up the package Donna sent me from her third grade class in Pittsburgh. It took me a couple of hours to drive to the post office, wait in line, wait for the package, and drive all the way to work, but it was all worth it. I still have a great big smile on my face and in my heart.

Donna's students wrote me thank-you notes, complete with colorful drawings of their favorite scene in my story. My heart swelled with pride a million times over and I couldn't help but look through the drawings over and over and over and over again. As if that wasn't enough! The package also included a VHS tape: Donna recorded a storytelling session she did in class! Her students were very behaved and they responded well to the story.

I still can't believe how my story has traveled quite far... farther than I myself expected. Much like the Yellow Paperclip and myself, I'm glad my story has reached out and touched many others, across continents and across timezones.

A Note from National Artist Arturo Luz

WOW. I can't believe I got a handwritten note from National Artist Arturo Luz... the Arturo Luz. Like my sister said, "Wow, I read and studied about him in art school!"

I sent him a copy of my book after I saw his giant paperclip sculptures. Not too many people are fascinated by the ordinary paperclip, so I was delighted when I saw his sculptures around the Ayala Museum a couple of months ago. I delivered a copy of my book with a note to his house in Pasig (big thanks to Rheza, my friend and Ayala Museum tour guide, who gave me his home address!).

On a piece of yellow paper, he wrote:

Six Degrees of Separation

A note from my friend's cousin's friend.

What was three degrees then is now down to one. They now say that the entire world is connected by only five degrees! Wow! Worlds collide and I love it.

My name is Kai and I believe my friend Mara sent you an e-mail just this week as well. I just wanted to say that I really did enjoy reading your story The Yellow Paperclip with Bright Purple Spots. She brought it to school one day and she was really excited to let me read it! When I finished the book, I was left with a huge smile on my face.

 
I am glad to know that I am not the only one who seems highly amused with the whole six-degrees-of-seperation concept. It's like a big Friendster world out there, really. Hehe! There are times when introductions are going on and then I realize how people are related and I just spazz over it. While others just shrug and smile as if it was no biggie, I am left with this really warm fuzzy feeling in me. I usually cannot hide the goofy smile on my face when my thoughts start to tug at me saying, "HEY! They know each other! How cool is that?!?" Even just talking about this makes me all...happy.

I've often wondered, too, how money goes around. Everytime I see something written on a dilapidated piece of paper money, the nuts, bolts and wheels in my head start working. I like imagining how many people have kept that piece of paper money for a day, week, month or even longer. My point is, I like it that there was actually a book on such a thing. Amazing how a simple piece of material can tell a story about its 'life'. It had its own adventures and was able to pass on some great lessons and ideas.

 

Thank you for sharing to us your wonderful piece of work. I shall be waiting for your next books!

The Yellow Paperclip meets Carlo

Carlo is a dear friend of mine from college. We don't get to spend time together now as much as we used to, of course, but he is still dear to me. He's an artist and fellow member of The Bad Art Club. He creates the most striking black-and-white ink swirls and lines and patterns and images. He and I have very little in common yet our friendship is real. He knows me so well. He gave me the name Cloud Woman.

The Yellow Paperclip reaches out to my friend Carlo, in hopes of reminding him that there's so much to hope for and live for.