Beautiful little Bees.

It all started with my roots. My mother was a florist and has always been an avid gardener. She found solace in tending to plants and flowers, which affected me more than I was aware.

Until now.

After I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2012, I found that simple things provided comfort: insects, nature, flowers, and of course photography, which encompassed all these things immaculately.

I have always admired my mother’s tendency to be a caregiver. She’s provided so much for all forms of life.

Backyard Passions

Growing up I was fond of the creepy crawlies. I was into the outdoors and the daredevil lifestyle. If it seemed dangerous, then I wanted to try it.

It’s interesting how we absorb the traits and behaviors of our parents. My father used to eat spiders as some kind of weird homage to Alice Cooper. In elementary school, I’d put toads in my mouth or chew on earthworms to gross out my classmates.

Shock Appeal

This coincides with my rebellious nature. I guess I wore that belt thin. Now in my later years, I’ve settled down to appreciate my roots without eating them, or doing things to set an impression.

I do this because I love it.

I care less about what other people think.
My life experience is what makes my craft unique. It embodies the things I love most: the backyard and living things in it, snow from living in the Midwest, church and the boundless relationship with Christ, even establishing the caregiver role like members of my family.

We’re blessed to do so much more with our lives. Even if it seems simple.

Humble Bumbles

When I was really sick I had to re-learn to walk, eat, and even talk, as I had a weak voice from lack of speech. I found physical therapy totally defeating. Some days I didn’t even make it outside, but I loved hearing the birds in the backyard. They kept the dark clouds of depression away.

The bush outside my bedroom window was usually occupied by sparrows and often our family of spoiled Cardinals.

Once I built up the muscle and mustered the energy, I’d venture out to the backyard lugging drainage tubes, cautious of my PICC line.

I’d find myself listening to their songs and to the buzzing of the bees. I found peace in their tiny voices and strength in their livelihood. I whistle for them to this day, as if I can speak the language (something my dad always did).

The Birds and the Bees.

Darwin called them Humblebees back in the 1900s for their big humming sound. I never found myself intimidated by these big bees, often laughing at their playfulness. Their personality brought smiles.

Then I met the Bald Faced Hornet.

I was just fascinated by her. Long after I took this photo, I took a beekeeping 101 class in Pittsburgh and discovered bees are attracted to the pheromones in bananas. I think this girl was too. Apparently these are aggressive hornets, and you should steer clear.

I was a couple feet away with a camera. I gave her about 5-10 minutes of a photo shoot, then I was out of her hair. I let her have her moment with the banana peel, and when I went back out to check she was gone.

Personal space is a big deal for the creatures of the earth.

I didn’t know what kind of hornet or wasp she was at the time, and when I found out I was pretty intimidated. But even this photo put my passion for pollinators in motion.

It’s still one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken.

Bee Boy Moves to Pittsburgh

Once I got to Pittsburgh, we had a house that was pretty secluded in nature. It had a large yard with woodpeckers, families of American Robins, owls, deer, and bees. I really loved exploring photography at that house. Some of the photos there are my favorite to date.

via Gfycat

I decided that honey was something I wanted to look into as it’s an anti inflammatory and antibiotic. Since sugar can be hard on people with Crohn’s disease, I decided to explore how honey could be used in place of sugar.

I signed up for a beekeeping 101 class with Burgh Bees in Pittsburgh. After eight hours of lessons and a bunch of literature, and I was raring to go. I knew I wouldn’t be able to start while we were renting, and that’s still the case. However, I’ve accrued books, tools, contacts, and connections.

Recently my girlfriend bought me a classic Langstroth hive made by the Amish in Ohio. Everyone, including friends and family has been very encouraging in this newfound passion. I’m so grateful for their support.

I discovered Pennsylvania is the third biggest state for beekeeping in the United States, the others being California and New York. Makes sense, farmers need the pollination.

So while living here, I decided I’d make use of the resources. There’s even a community apiary in Homewood where you can rent a spot for your hive. I’m being patient, but I have the fever and I always find joy in taking pictures of bees. It’s incredible how it has healed me in ways I never imagined.

That’s usually how love works.

And I really love Bumblebees.
They are my favorite.

Until I can start my own apiary, I’ll keep an eye on my lavender plant and salvia, and wait for eager Pollinators.

Has something small, or unexpected brought healing into your life?

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