Entry #21: The Bumble Bees' Dramatic Return, July's Liberty and The Privilege of Sweating the Small Stuff

Dear All:
The shrubs are beaming green, the trees are proud and the leaves are as giggly as could be on one of the most breath taking days of the year.  Our sprinklers are singing; the flowers are bejeweled in every rich color that exists and I have to say, July is radiant in its final bloom. 


Brady and I spotted a ruby headed Woodpecker this morning on our south lawn as this wizard of a bird; popped, popped, popped on the maple tree, then clucked, then chirped, and quickly shot away. I was like Brady, "Let's put this sighting on the calendar"!


As we watch nature's beauty each day, (realizing how fragile it is & nourish our thoughts for its survival,) we are honoring our independence on Monday - which is amazing if you look out into the world and observe the continual struggles for freedom. If we reflect how fortunate we are and are in agreement that sweating the small stuff is a privilege, right? We already knew that though, of course!  


Lately, the bumble bees' have us in wonder of their unique behavior and potential collapse. However, bees had their moment in Chinatown earlier this spring - which was as always, phenomenal. 


It seems a swarm of about 15,000 bees descended on a lamp post in Chinatown, which is one of three that have hit Manhattan this season. Good things are happening if these bees have showed up in NY of all places! 


I experienced a swarm -- the width of my block & approximately fifteen feet high (on Coleridge Street in San Francisco) on my way to work one morning. As I looked up and quietly passed along their sweet calm humming, I was not afraid, just stunned of how many there were. I remember thinking to myself, oh boy, I have to walk through this?


I did mention this to our dear guide Peter at Seatuck Environmental and he explained that this occurs when the "Queen Bee" is being replaced. 


"There is a definite seasonality to swarming. Bees of all ages join a swarm but the majority are younger (4-23 days old) bees. Most swarms settle within three meters (ten feet) of the ground but some land on the ground while others cluster at higher locations."--www.dailymail.co.uk.  


As July enchants us (like Memorial Day) with its red, white and blue fun, we should honor this day where we signed the US Declaration of Independence! We can all laugh now that I am trying to even discuss the Declaration of Independence. He He, KK Get Over Yourself! 


But when you think of the the people fighting for their lives at this very moment (Mid East and Africa) for their freedom to vote as they want, marry whom they want or worship who they want, you have to take a breath and thank god everyday that we live in this country. 




July 4th is the day we signed this controversial piece of paper and made our rich lives what it is today. "The sources and interpretation of the Declaration have been the subject of much scholarly inquiry. Having served its original purpose in announcing independence, the text of the Declaration was initially ignored after the American Revolution. Its stature, particularly over the second sentence, a sweeping statement of human rights."


"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, that amount these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."--Wikipedia. How dear is that? 


I suppose I am going within for the answers on this one, but how can we dare sweat the small stuff when people really have no chance out there, even when they are born? Everyone knows I am always up for a negative yak every now and again, but inside I know it is not right to complain of the heavy rains, or the traffic (because I am late) or other's actions that I may see as unfavorable. I do not believe any of us take being "free" for granted - ever. But maybe when we are bibbling about the super small stuff that we don't really have any control over, we may look inside for a little light to guide us in the right direction.

Thank you for reading in your busy days. I am sure that the bumble bees are much smarter than we give them credit for, "take that" they buzz! I am going to thank god everyday for giving me freedom (to vote; to marry whom I want, and to worship nature if I please) right here in the United States. I am going to look for the light inside to guide me in the right direction when I am not focusing on what is important. 

Also, please keep "hope" close to the heart & pray for the women, children & animals who need our fierce protection at all times. 

With Love & Sincerely,

Kristen

P.S. Love you all til the cows come home!