A hive of bees was gifted to me. I could say they were "left behind," but it's nicer to think of them as a gift. In the midst of everything else happening in life - learning how to be a beekeeper seems a little overwhelming.
But often the important things in life are overwhelming. They do take a bit of time. And effort. Like friendships, relationships, meaningful work, children.
I never would have gone out and rescued a bee hive, or intentionally brought in a hive. There is already Too Much Going On to welcome in One More Thing.
However, since they were "gifted" to me, taking care of them seems like the right thing to do. I'm vegan, so I'm not really doing it for the honey (although ... I will enjoy some of the honey). I'm doing it mainly because I want to see them thrive. My garden (and gardens in the neighborhood) will benefit. Because we need more bees in the world if we want to eat healthy, wholesome food. Because they are so beautiful as they dive into the flowers and blossoms in our yard.
So I'm jumping into this new adventure. I think I'll make some new friends, and not just with the bees. Tyson from Urban Beekeepers Los Angeles has been incredibly helpful, and it seems like the beekeeping community is generous with their wisdom and hands-on help. My guess is I'll receive gifts many times over the investment of time and attention I give the bees.
But often the important things in life are overwhelming. They do take a bit of time. And effort. Like friendships, relationships, meaningful work, children.
I never would have gone out and rescued a bee hive, or intentionally brought in a hive. There is already Too Much Going On to welcome in One More Thing.
However, since they were "gifted" to me, taking care of them seems like the right thing to do. I'm vegan, so I'm not really doing it for the honey (although ... I will enjoy some of the honey). I'm doing it mainly because I want to see them thrive. My garden (and gardens in the neighborhood) will benefit. Because we need more bees in the world if we want to eat healthy, wholesome food. Because they are so beautiful as they dive into the flowers and blossoms in our yard.
So I'm jumping into this new adventure. I think I'll make some new friends, and not just with the bees. Tyson from Urban Beekeepers Los Angeles has been incredibly helpful, and it seems like the beekeeping community is generous with their wisdom and hands-on help. My guess is I'll receive gifts many times over the investment of time and attention I give the bees.