Reaching out, 21st century style

I'm writing this sitting on our deck, watching the wind in our Balinese prayer flags and drinking my "special tea" (a gift from one of my favorite tea party servers). The Xmas Present twitches and chases tennis balls in her dreams, at my feet. Storm clouds are parting to reveal a blue sky. Mist rings the mountains. The wind chimes echo down the valley.

I seem to have written several posts recently about kinky friends having a tough time. Those who live in Oz I can visit or at least invite here ... to enjoy some peace and quiet on this deck, to drink tea and relax for a day or so from the concerns of their everyday lives.

But these last few days I've really found myself fretting on behalf of some beloved friends overseas. Suddenly distance seems as great a challenge as during my parents' generation.

We take for granted instant communication in the 21st century. Our words cross the planet before we finish the thought that formed them. We send each other images of our lives in seconds, the way I've captured the wind that still sings and dances through the wind chimes here.

But what about human touch? That's something we never share with cyber friends. It's impossible to wipe a tear from a cheek, to warm a cold hand within your own, to wrap your arms around them. I'm looking at the cold reality of cyber touch right now - two smudged finger tip marks on my laptop screen, made the last time I visited a blog where the most recent post literally made me reach out a hand to offer comfort ... until my fingers hit my screen.

Sol will come home soon. Kinky plans for weekend play have been made, and later we'll sleep curled up together, warmed by firelight. I'll write about what we get up to soon. As for this post?

From my quiet deck I'm reaching out, 21st century style. This post is for everyone out there needing a hug. As real as I can make it.

Photo:
Ms160