B

[growler_south]

Today at work we were visited by a passing swarm of bees- I presume they had fallen from a truck, because they didnt know where they wanted to go. They hummed outside above the road, and we watched fascinated as the lost and confused bees followed passers-by. Most of whom, finding themselves the focus of a swarm's curiosity, screamed and ran, arms flapping, bees swirling above. I did pity the motorcyclist who rode through the heart of the swarm, snapping his visor shut too late and swerving to the side of the road.

I love honeybees. They're so inquisitive and, as a group, fairly smart. I went outside and let them assess me, their tiny feet and fuzzy bodies soft on my face and arms as they swarmed, gentle hugs letting me know that I was loved. (I would have been loved more if I was made of sugar, but the warmth was enough)

After a minute or two they found something else that took their attention (a slim woman in high heels and a low-cut dress, but boy could she run) and they left me to go back inside, grateful for the reminder that the world is a wonderful place, even if I dont feel it sometimes.

Comments

[scream4noreason.livejournal.com]

But you ARE made from sugar!

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

Hardly.. but feel free to lick me as much as you like next time ;-)

[bikerbearmark.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed your retelling of a singular experience, Grant. I also really enjoy how you put yourself out there, exposed to risk and danger, but certain that you will come out OK. You taste a far greater slice of life than the average person!

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

Maybe that explans the expanding waistline..

[bikerbearmark.livejournal.com]

You? Really? Woof!

[dennisatl.livejournal.com]

yes! I didn't know what I was trying to say, but this puts it nicely, so I'm just seconding this.... along with -I don't know I'd leave a safe place to go let the bees "assess me", and I'd have missed that wonderful experience you had...like I often do, dammit!

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

How lucky you are.

Here, all we have are waspish yellow jackets and africanized honey bees that are so aggressive one would never do what you did.

[paddygrappler.livejournal.com]

Jesus you will be filming floating plastic bags and calling it art next

[ink-ling.livejournal.com]

Just curious: Have you ever been stung?

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

Once or twice, mostly on my feet from treading on the poor wee buggers. It doesnt hurt.

[ink-ling.livejournal.com]

I always wanted to like bees more, but once when I was young, I was running barefoot in our yard and stepped in a hole where there was a nest of bees. I couldn't get my foot out for a bit and so was stung many times. It more frightened me than it hurt but left me with very mild panics when I see them.

Maybe I should sit therapy with a set of really cool bees. :) Cos they're actually pretty cute -- as insects go.

[growler-south.livejournal.com]

Your irrational fear of bees, though it be based on an actual and experienced worst-case scenario, can be easily modified with therapy. As a quick start, i suggest you read a bit about the techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- though it's mostly used for certain specific issues, its a toolset which can be applied to all sorts of issues.

I particularly love bumblebees. I really do think they believe themselves to be fairies- for the most part they're happy and bubbly and blond, and even when they get pissed they just try to fly away, rather than stinging. I just wish they had the curiosity that honeybees have.

[mikeybill.livejournal.com]

Just imagining you with a beard of bees for a change - that'd be a buzz (snicker)

[querrelle.livejournal.com]

Wow - what a wonderful experience!

[beastbriskett.livejournal.com]

It's so like you to commune with the wee, confused things, gentle growler.

I'm not afraid of bees, either. The only times I've been stung, like you, is when I accidentally stepped on 'em. Hell, if I got stomped by a giant, I'd sting too!

[barbarian-rat.livejournal.com]

What a nice experience. I've always found bees to be very nice creatures to be around. I often have them buzzin around when I'm workin [gardenin is a never endin job]. My only regret is that the africanized ones are on the move up California. Soon I will have to be more careful around bees, and that will be a great loss.