52 Weeks #40

When I was preparing this canvas, I decided to use the pigments I had on my palette and as I worked, it seemed to me to resemble a field of flowers, which of course brought to mind bees.  Initially I thought I would paint several tiny bees, almost life-sized, but then began to remember Georgia O'Keeffe and her desire to enlarge images so that people really took a close look. 

With the plight of bees in our world, I think there is nothing better than to stop and admire them.  I've been especially grateful for these fluffy, busy little bees in my garden as I am now reaping the rewards of their work.  Simmering on the stove is jam created from the abundance of even my little garden...sand cherries, grapes, strawberries, blueberries and rhubarb.  And potato rolls are rising so that I can enjoy this deliciousness for lunch.

Bees symbolize fertility and life...the ability to accomplish the impossible.  Their wings are fragile with a large body, so they shouldn't be able to fly, and yet they do.  Their honeycombs represent the heart and the sweetness in life we are privy to.  Bee reminds us to be busy when the sun shines and to rest when we need it.  That if we pursue our dreams, we will inevitably reach them.  But we must remember to savour the fruit of our labour.  Bees have always been connected to wisdom, royalty and love.