I’ve made a lot of good friends online, and then there are some I connect with even more so than others. Perhaps there’s a certain chemistry that we would share — the chemistry of kindred souls, of friendship borne out of utmost sincerity, trust and a shared sense of humor. One of those blogger-reads-turned-amazingly-good-friends is Shalimar.
I became a fan of Sha‘s blog because of her amazing photographs and delicious recipes. I would faithfully read her blog, get impatient when she didn’t update, and then grin with delight when I’d see her post new pics of her latest travels. Her passion and her work takes her around the world, and I get to take a peek into other cultures vicariously through her. Over the years we’d correspond through e-mail and even a snail mail package one time (that was quite a treat!).
The thing with my friendship with Sha is that even if not so many words are exchanged, I can feel her sincerity. When we exchange stories, we value each other’s thoughts, opinions, and we know we can trust each other. I guess one can tell when the friendship is real – the sincerity is so palpable. As I write this entry, Sha and I are chatting on Gmail. I can imagine that we’d have the same conversation if we were both in pajamas, eating out of a bucket of ice cream, or if we were both lying on the sand, looking up at the stars.
We’ll meet someday, who knows, maybe in Europe where she resides. Wishful thinking on my part, but some wishes do come true. For now, she’ll eat all those gelatos for me. 😀
Cheers to our friendship, Shalimar! Cheers to all kindred souls!
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
jojo
September 3, 2007 at 12:16 pm (17 years ago)nakakatuwa yung story mo…i share a similar experience with a highschool batchmate. i don’t remember even talking to her back then. then a few years ago, our highschool batch gathered up contacts, tapos nag-chat lang kami sa YM bigla. we’ve been close eversince–she’s visited me a number of times here in Singapore. We’ve also picked her and/or her hubby to be our baby’s godparent/s.
anyway…who knows Toni…it maybe LA now, Europe tomorrow!!!
Junnie
September 4, 2007 at 6:42 am (17 years ago)We have something in common and i can feel the same thing with Sha…very personable…and sincere nga siya…
sha
September 4, 2007 at 10:37 pm (17 years ago)its 430pm french time and am a bit teary eyed reading this post, I do feel pretty much same with you
as we chatted it was past midnight early morning Philippine time….sincere yes thanks thats why I went to the yacht agency today and I had to tell them the truth of my life and they were a bit shocked how candid I was of what happened to me.
So am sure my sincerity will pay off with a good job soon.
PS.. the agency asked this means shalimar you are willing to be relocated to the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Australia.. yes I told them wherever the wind will lift me..I will restart life again!!!
Thank you
Nunu's mum
September 5, 2007 at 4:37 pm (17 years ago)Hi Toni,
Got here thru Sha’s group email. You know what? I have met the woman and she is simply endearing. She’s one of those people who I have no doubt will do anything for a friend. Sincere is the word that I’d use unhesitantly. Not to mention whacky. I just love her!
We’ve kept in touch since that week-end we met and m being updated with most things she gets up to and I really do wish her all the best in life. Everytime I get a text from her, she never fails to make me laugh or smile. I’m sure she’ll be just fine.
That was a lovely post.
bayi
September 5, 2007 at 11:02 pm (17 years ago)My wife, my daughter and I met her two years ago when we went to Athens. She is the friendliest soul indeed. She made our trip, meant to be a business one for me, a very memorable and meaningful one indeed. You have a good friend there, Toni!
Lani
September 11, 2007 at 6:38 pm (17 years ago)I agree with you, I also love Sha. She’s a very nice person like you.