The “lists fever” as I call it is a genuine traffic bringer. People love lists – and as much as I don’t like listing things, I have to reconsider. Because I love people.

I wrote a few entries about the Web, communication, friendship and relationships. I wrote about my friends a few times, I mentioned how proud I was to know Liz Strauss, Alina Popescu, Jen the Thruthdancer, Yvonne Russell, Laura Spencer, Lillie Ammann, and so many others. And what all these people have in common is that… I’ve never met them in the real life. They are all “virtual friends” – yet the connection I feel with each and every one of them is stronger than life. Any of them knows that I will be there whenever they need me. A powerful statement, yet as true as it can get.

Liz wiped my tears, Alina takes my heart home, Jen reminds me to forgive and forget, Yvonne is the perfect colleague and friend, Lillie brings God closer to my heart and Laura is always there when I ask for her help. True friends are made of this. You see, these are not “my readers.” They read my stuff, I read their stuff, but there is a lot more to it and we often don’t need too many words to know that what we have is special and unbreakable.

I remember how Yvonne encouraged me when I was somehow depressed because too much offline work kept me away from my friends and my readers. And each time I chat with Alina I miss my family and friends less – because she is there, true Romanian spirit, a pure heart. I could write so many pages about each and every one.

Ten Reasons Why I love Pearl

PearlI opened this entry with a short note on lists. Obviously my plan was to make a list. And I kept you waiting. Sometimes it feels good to wait for things that are really worth it. Pearl is worth it. She is my friend and she is more than that: she is someone who trusts me above all, although she has never seen me in person. It feels good to be trusted by a genuine human being, a soul so pure and young that many of us should just stop and behold in wonder.

  1. I love Pearl because she opened my heart with a key I thought lost. Each time Pearl writes to me I feel her soul. I was afraid I lost the power of feeling friendship from the distance. Pearl reminded me that when true hearts come on the same wavelength anything is possible.
  2. She trusts me, as I said. Unconditionally. And I trust her in return. And there is nothing anyone could ever do to make me betray that trust.
  3. She is always kind and her advice comes from her heart. Pearl doesn’t judge my choices, but warns me, as any other sweet friend would, to approach life decisions with care. And what I like about her advices is that… Pearl never gives a lecture.She just gives her heart. Truth from a woman who knows human nature and who’s more kind than words could ever say.
  4. She makes me smile, she makes me laugh and she makes me cry. And I will not tell you how she does all these things, and when she does them. All you have to do is to read her blog, in depth, not just the latest entries. You see, Interesting Observations is about everything: life, work, people, the Internet. But most importantly, it is about Pearl.
  5. As I already told her, Pearl comes from a magic world of fairies and elves, where fantasy creatures run free and the Pearls (her symbol) dominate the scenery with their magic beauty. Pearl’s soul is serene and wild at times. A paradox in every way. Pearl reminds me of a fairy tale. She reminds me how to be a child again.
  6. Pearl makes me stronger. We exchange emails often – mostly when we need strength. And Pearl gives without delay. She reminds me of all the things that matter in life.
  7. Pearl is a believer – against all odds. We all have drawbacks in life, ups and downs. Destiny hasn’t spared Pearl either. But she keeps on walking with a warm smile on her face, inspiring me to follow.
  8. Pearl gives without taking. As true friends do. And after she gives, she forgets the gift. How unique. There are not many people able of such selflessness.
  9. Pearl takes with grace. It feels like the breeze blowing softly over the shore. It’s always a pleasure to give Pearl a piece of my heart, even if just virtually.
  10. Pearl is a model, a true friend and an inspiration.

Of course, my list is probably a bit redundant. But you see, there are some things I just had to repeat.

Why such a list today? Well, in a world dominated by lists that tell about how to make money online, how to reboot your PC and other such general topics, it feels good to remember that nothing is possible without the people in our lives. And they need to know how much we respect them and how much we value them.

Now take some time to think about it: is there anyone in your life who deserves such a list? Then you know how rich you are.

Thank you, Pearl, for being my friend. This is my homage to you.