Friday, February 4, 2011

Beeing

Beeing is a charming memoir by Roseanne Daryl Thomas about life, motherhood, and beekeeping. Thomas writes of how, after a 'hideous divorce,' she and her seven year old daughter moved to a small New England town where, on a whim, she took up beekeeping.

Like the ancients before her, Thomas discovers that beekeeping leads to poetry and philosophy -- and  that by assuming responsibility for the tiny world of the hive, the beekeeper becomes more aware of the larger world.
Beeing is not a how to manual -- for information on bees and honey, consult Mr. Google. Or try this link, from which I took these lovely bee pictures.
I found this book incredibly seductive  . . . visions of myself as a beekeeper flitted through my head till reality told me that there is really isn't time in my life for One More Thing.
Still, it's a wonderful read. And the takeaway message fits nicely with my Tuesday FAQ post.

Thomas writes: "The sweetness of life does not come without the occasional nasty sting, but those who go too far out of their way to avoid the venom avoid the sweetness as well. When my life was sweet I had always savored it entirely, enjoying every drop. But when it was painful, I had to learn and relearn what life and beekeeping had to teach. If you want to get honey, you have to be prepared to get stung."

Still on the road -- through snow and sleet and ice yesterday... not too bad but it made for slow traffic and a long day -- will hope to bring you up to date soon. Thanks for the good travel wishes ...

 

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12 comments:

Martin said...

Ah yes, to bee or not to bee...

RNSANE said...

It sounds like a lovely book. Wish I were in your area, I'd love to take your writing course!

Brian Miller said...

and just hope you are nor alergic...travel light out there....

Lyn said...

I know about that "one more thing"..Thank goodness folks can write about their lives! Charming all around.

joanna said...

a lovely editorial -- haven't much time to read these days, but I will put this one on my list, my neighbors are bee keepers, so I just walk over and on the honor system put money in the mail box slot and go and take the jars of honey I want -- wishing you a safe and comfortable journey --

joanny

Brenda said...

Oooo... sounds good. Another one to add to my list!

Rainsong said...

A broken woman redefining her life as a new life as a bee keeper in New England? I am charmed already! Thanks V, and thanks for choosing THAT quote, perfect.

Deborah....listening for the hummmm

Kath said...

Well, you've hooked me. I'll have to read this book. Bees fascinate me. But for a long time I thought I did not like honey. Until I figured out it did not have to be clover or orange blossom. Both of which have no charm for me.
Tupelo honey!!! Like flower nectar on the tongue. Consider the creature that can make flowers for your tongue!

Kath
Kath-lettersfromearth.blogspot.com

Friko said...

A lovely to relax to, even if it can't become just one more thing. Tae care and stay safe.

Stella Jones said...

Oh, I love anything to do with bees. Can't get enough of bees, honey, hives and bee stories.
I would love to keep bees, I have loads of lavender! but I'm a little worried about the neighbours and what they would think.
Aren't your pictures gorgeous.

marĂ­a cecilia said...

She sounds very inspirational.
Well, you did get some ice in Alabama.
hugs

Tipper said...

Great post-cause I love bees! And their symbolism too : )