09/30/2026
Story time!
I’m in love with this hippo charm (made by ).
I got it from almsot 10 years ago. The hippo reminds of my dear friend Hannah Lapuh, who i lovingly call Hammmmaaaaaaaaa (meaning 🦛 in Korean), because she accidentally referred to herself as such only ONCE on a phone call she took in front of me. I think it’s a cute nickname, bc she has nothing in common with a hippo, other than her innate loveability.
She, in turn, calls me Kokkiri (meaning 🐘 in Korean), because of my loyalty to memories.
We make a great pair!
When I first found the charms at the bead store, I wanted Hama to have the elephant as a key chain, and the hippo for me as a bracelet. The charm is quite weighty, though, so the elastic band kept snapping or coming undone.
So, for years it was just tucked away not being used or seen by anyone.
Recently, I came across the weighty mighty hippo again, and I found another way.
I love how she’s now adorned with her own flower hat and sitting on a pearl. and now it hangs above my desk on the wall mirror, so I can be reminded by my dear friend and the enduring friendship we’ve got to keep, daily.
Cheers to unlikely nicknames • deep friendships across countries • creativity • beauty • and Art!
