When virtual becomes real

Sometimes things feel out of kilter and small everyday difficulties can become a little too consuming. Perspective is needed. I think Ali may have been feeling the same this week. I adore living here on the edge of the Fens - I feel more in tune with the seasons than ever before - but the people I like to chat with most are just that little bit further away geographically. As wonderful as the internet is for exchange of thoughts, banter, creativity and images there's little to beat being together with someone for an hour or two. 

Val and I met through this curious online world but as with several other of the people round these parts our friendship has become something real, tangible and rather joyous. Gossiping over a cup of tea was exactly what I needed yesterday afternoon. Whilst our children made princesses out of Hama beads we discussed the important topics of (in no particular order): miniscule beaded hearts, woven and crocheted successes, passing that age milestone, running workshops, the excitement of commissions and a hare made of bendy sticks. Worries faded away. Perspective returned, as did laughter.

Then Val taught me how to make a willow flower and all was well with the world. All the blog comments, 'Your tweet got a reply!'s, perusals of Pinterest, emails and Google plus wotsits in the world couldn't match it. We took a picture, because that's what bloggers do, but friendship was the thing for those few hours.