Thursday, November 01, 2007

Breaking the Sound Barrier

Tonight, we did it, Lisa and I. We broke the sound barrier.

We met online a few months ago and quickly discovered that we have many things, ideas, dreams, and even eating habits in common. We began to check out and comment on each other's blogs regularly.

A few months back, she suggested that we speak on the telephone, nothing urgent or specific; she wanted to talk. I hesitated. What does one say to someone one doesn't know and has never met? So I did the most cowardly thing I think of at the time: I didn't reply to her suggestion.

She waited patiently. Kept reading and commenting here. Kept sharing and deepening our virtual friendship. Then about two weeks ago, she suggested that we meet in person. She offered to come here to Charlotte.

What? You'd come all the way here? To meet me?
Yup.
So she's coming. In just under two weeks. To plunge herself into the only marginally controlled chaos that is my life.

Tonight, we broke the sound barrier.
We spoke on the telephone for just over half an hour.
She sounds as cheerful, as joyful, as peaceful,
and as funny on the phone as she comes across on the internet.
I can't wait to meet her in person.

I recommend it, this friendship thing. It's good for the heart, the mind, the spirit, and the soul. And soon enough, it will benefit the body as well - I am saving a long, warm hug for her. And there will be much feasting on the goodies from Trader Joe's, Teavana, World Market, and an extra special favorite Charlotte eatery as well.

Two weeks from now, when she's here, we will take photos that we can both post on our blogs. In the meantime, we will talk on the telephone, send emails, and count down the days.

Anybody else wanna talk? Meet? Have a mojito or a martini?
Drop me a line... We can start by breaking the sound barrier.

5 comments:

jmgb said...

you are both so brave:)

GailNHB said...

Yes, I suppose there is a certain amount of bravery involved in "taking this relationship to the next step." But I am increasingly, keenly aware of how few risky, daring, real friendships I have. The simple, surface ones are easy to produce. But the relationships that defy the odds, the ones that make sense to almost no one other than the people involved, the ones that raise eyebrows and elicit caution - those are the ones that end up being most life-affirming and uplifting. I often ask myself - why not take a chance every now and then? What's the worst thing that could happen?

Safety, ease, security, and living inside the box are safe and easy and secure. I'm nearly 42; it's time to take a few risks.

If not now, when? If not me, who?

Amy said...

I'm definitely putting meeting you on my agenda in the next year, Gail!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I have such a big smile on my face right now :-)

Thank you for your courageous words of sharing our new friendship adventure. I really like the title.

It was such an easy, joyous time speaking with you last evening. I so look forward to my upcoming visit!

Goddess Leonie * GoddessGuidebook.com said...

dang straight, sista... i'll be there with bells on... once i'm in your country ;)

i know lisa! she is spunky, wise and luscious... how precious your meeting will be! :)