Save the Bees

I have a peony bush in my backyard with about fifteen giant, soft-pink blooms. Every morning on my way to the car, I stop to sniff them—because really, isn’t that the best way to start the day?

It’s the small things in life

One morning, I leaned in toward the biggest blossom. Peonies aren’t just stunning, layered works of art; they also have the sweetest fragrance. But this time, I didn’t get as close as usual. Nestled deep in the petals was a bumblebee, fast asleep. This little fella looked so cozy, I imagined tiny “zzzz’s” floating up from his fuzzy body.

I looked at him the way you look at a baby—marveling at the miracle of such a tiny life. I smiled, leaned back, and took in the details of the moment. Then I noticed something extraordinary: a yellow stripe in the perfect shape of a heart. A heart! I leaned closer to make sure my eyes weren’t just inventing it in the magic of the moment. Could anything be more precious? No. It could not.

What I learned:

Unlike honeybees, bumblebees don’t always return to the hive at night. They find shelter wherever they can—especially if they’re old, tired, or the weather isn’t great. This little pollinator needed rest, and I’m so grateful I was there to witness it. Grateful that pausing to sniff a flower helped me notice the details, and grateful for the reminder that even an insect and a human can feel connected—a small gift from Mother Earth.

Stop and smell the flowers. You may get a reward for it. And, of course, save the bees.

As always, thank you for reading, Lovelies.