Those are some nice thoughts on the paddle...
I am trying to find that fine balance again with paddles where i can both love and hate them. I had a paddle used in a previous relationship where it was the same intensity all the time (which was all hard all the time it seemed) whether for play or punishment. The lines between the two began to fade and I was left with a sinking feeling anytime when a paddle was brought out. Of course this also had to do with bad communication in letting me know where play ended and punishment began.
I am now getting to the point where the two are seperate with lots of help from friends and my Top. I am now trying to have fun with the paddle and experience it more. Granted it still almost always comes out when it is time for punishment because it still gets my attention more than anything....well the hairbrush is a close second.
Sherie