Look to the Bees

I spent part of my Labor Day weekend scrub brushing and power washing the garage.

Sadly, this made me incredibly happy.

Why is it when it's a gorgeous day outside, the first thing my mind goes to is "what a great day to work!"

My Aunt Gladys would be so proud of me. The cleanest woman that has ever lived.

She had a freezer in her garage just for garbage.

So it wouldn't smell by the time the garbage man came.

True story.

Whilst scrubbing this side of the garage, I decided to thin out my red daylilies and plant some all along here. Thought it would look so pretty against the white.

Then - I thought what a great place to line up my beehives.

I should have six by this time next year.

I can just picture the pretty hives all lined up with red daylilies among them.

Now, pay no attention to the fact that nearly a half a million bees would be a few steps away from you as you pulled in the driveway.

I personally don't see that as a problem.

The bees have me mesmerized, and scared fecal-less.

As I walk to what I call my 'BeeYard' which is nothing but a weedy patch with a few pumpkin vines growing and two hives, I repeat my mantra.

"It's just a slight burning sensation with some localized swelling"

"It's just a slight burning sensation with some localized swelling"

And then I give them a stern, yet loving admonishment that I'm there to help them.

I like to think that it's working.

Only two stings this year - so far.

Sadly it doesn't appear that I'll be harvesting any honey this year, unless I want to endanger the hive's starvation through the winter.

I just can't do that to the little things.

They've worked so hard for what they have.

It's my first year, I'm told not to be too surprised that there isn't any honey.

But, I must say - I am disappointed.

Do I have slacker bees?

Better than killer ones I suppose.

I thought alot about the bees while I was cleaning the garage and planning on how I would ask Glen if he minded several hundred thousand bees next to 'his' garage.

I like to think that I'm like a bee.

Busy - a bit ocd about the hive.

A good team worker.

Tireless in doing good.

Sweet.

It's things I try to be.

Oftentimes I scold myself for what I'm not.

I have friends that honest-to-Pete wanted to be nurses when they were young girls, and now, at nearly 60 years old - that is what they are, and have been since college.

I shake my head in wonderment.

Or friends that can decorate a room and leave it that way - like - forever.

Seriously.

I on the other hand still don't know what I want to do when I grow up.

See - it's the growing up part I guess I haven't gotten down yet.

I've never wanted to be the Queen Bee - I'm more than happy being a nurse bee, or a worker bee. I'm more than happy being a support to my friends and family. I'm more than happy to hopefully be a little sweetness in their lives.

I used to believe that God had a perfect plan for each of us, and I'm still not convinced that I don't believe it.

I always searched for mine.

Felt like I was missing it.

But I think I've been doing it all along.

Whether it's been homeschooling, or tending chickens, or working at Starbucks (a girl can dream) - I'm part of a colony of life - and I show up, and try to do my part, and laugh and love.

I can't think of a better vocation.