For the Love of Bees

I'm going to tell you now about my newest strange hobby. Go ahead and laugh if you want, but it makes me happy, so I plan to keep on doing it. Lean close and let me whisper it in your ear: I have grown addicted to photographing bumblebees sleeping under flowers, soaked in early morning dew.

Flower blooms provide awesome hospitality to bees . . . in fact, a full range of bed and breakfast services. The bumblebees like to nap under the flowers as though the blooms are big umbrellas. When the bees wake up, they begin to wave their antennas around. Then they take a few halting steps. And then - conveniently - breakfast is waiting, right there!

My morning bumblebee searches have become something of an obsession. I first realized in mid-July that I just might be preoccupied with this new hobby, but I didn't want to say anything. I adore bugs and all manner of creeping, crawling, and flying creatures. But there is a special place in my heart for the humble bumble. They're like little teddy bears with wings.

On this particular morning, I was walking through the pollinator gardens at our local Arboretum when I spotted this one. And I was immediately smitten. What could be more charming than a dew-damp, snoozy bumble?

I admit I am not an expert on bees, but I love them just the same. One of the things I admire about them is that they make themselves at home anywhere, anytime. On this bloom, for instance, where this sweet little fellow has spent the night in its little home away from home. Who says you can't go home?

The soundtrack: Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles, Who Says You Can't Go Home?