Bee Wyld

Resilience in the presence of change

We have passed mid July on the calendar and our newest addition to Rooted has arrived. A friend and I are caretakers for a honey bee hive. We have named them Robert George II (namesake of a dear friend that has passed) with Queen Victoria as their Monarch.

The main field on Rooted welcomed them in her full glory, and new wildflowers are joining in to offer their nectar in the honey process.

I was concerned about the bees as our skies filled with smoke (from Northern Ontario wildfires) and intense heat and humidity. However, they are adapting well. As the smoke filled air travels to southern Ontario, it is a reminder that we are all connected and Nature spreads quickly through the atmosphere and beyond.

The hot summer weather is forcing me to plan my productive outdoor activities, to be part of an early morning and early evening routine. I forget how hot our summer days can be. Another reminder for me to be flexible and understand that I am not in control... especially of the weather.

The common thread in many of my days is contemplation. I have been wondering if I could make my days easier and my regular day-to-day activities more interesting. As I lovingly care for my pets, plants, land, Family, Friends, maintenance of my building structures, etc. (and myself) my thoughts come back to balance. Do I feel that I have enough time to walk the Labyrinth with patience and awareness, without feeling the need to stop and pull a weed?

Rooted encourages me to be responsible but reminds me to enjoy the beauty and give myself permission to have patterns. As we all evolve, it takes time and energy.

 I sit on my back deck and admire the magnificent hydrangeas with blooms that seem to grow larger and brighter everyday. I hadn't realized how many varieties of day-lilies were blooming. This year, they are especially vibrant and elegant. Before we know it, Fall will be welcomed by the ripening of my neighbour's pumpkins, gourds and squash. 

As we all tend to our gardens, we are invited to sit and contemplate among the bees, plants and animals and enjoy their company. They might have a story or some loving wisdom to share.

-Take good care-

Annette