I Want to be Like the Bee

One of the fun and fulfilling aspects of being a blogger is that inevitably, through the magic of the virtual world, one finds other bloggers.  As a matter of fact, like pieces of precious glass in my china closet, I’ve begun to collect bloggers, and I store away snippets of their wisdom, their humor, their insights in a special file—I learn something new from at least one of them almost every day.  To date, most of the bloggers I follow are writers like me, and like me, much of their daily work involves making use of avenues of reaching the audiences who will enjoy reading their books.  Writing a blog is one of those means.  However, I’ve discovered a funny thing about these people:  I’ve found them to be a bighearted lot of human beings, generous in their validation, their support, their promotion of other authors, and many of them devote their blogs to this purpose, either exclusively, or like me, occasionally.

            My good friend and associate, Connecticut resident, DeEtte Anderton, the author/blogger who is my guest today is among the most giving of all of the people with whom I have forged virtual relationships.   She was among the first readers to write a review of my book, GUARDIANS AND OTHER ANGELS, and her championing of me has not waivered since that time.  Her first novel, Victory is slated for release soon by Master Koda Select Publishing (www.masterkodaselectpublishing.com), and in her own words, “Victory is the story about a small American town and the people who live there.  Brown Eyes, an orphan, lives with her only known relative, a cousin, who has had a rough life herself.  A visitor comes to Victory with ideas to improve the town.  Another stranger also comes to town.  As one of them moves in with fear and control, God’s hand moves within the town, even at its darkest hour.  The other is instrumental in saving the town, and especially Brown Eyes.  It is a story of faith and freedom and the love of God.”

                I was so impressed with DeEtte’s blog posting, “I Want to be Like the Bee” that I asked her if I could publish it in its entirety on my blog.  It is a good sampling of the contents of the heart and mind, as well as of the writing style, of this brilliant author.  Her blog address is:  http://deetteanderton.wordpress.com.    

I Want to be Like the Bee

by DeEtte Anderton

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.  Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.~Mark Twain

Have you ever watched a bee fly from flower to flower, gathering pollen?  They don’t think about flying, or making honey.  They just do it.  It’s what they were meant to do.  In the process, flowers are pollinated and in a few weeks, there are fruits, vegetables, and grain. When the bees go back to their hives, they don’t say to one another, “You are sure stupid for going out every day, gathering pollen and making honey. You know others steal it for their own use.  It’s futile.  You shouldn’t go out there.”

        I don’t really know what bees do “talk” about with each other, except for their dance where they indicate where the good food source is.  They support one another.

    

        Too often we, and I am including myself, let other people determine what we do, where we put our energies, what goals and desires we allow ourselves to strive for.  We let their words and attitudes, either cheer us on, or discourage us to the point we won’t even try.  We measure ourselves by their thoughts, not what we think or hope or even know.

        I am trying, more and more, to take Mark Twain’s advice and keep away from those who would negatively influence me, and gravitate more toward those whom I can trust to support me and encourage me.  I am so thankful for my great friends who do encourage me.  I try to pick up on the words of affirmation I read and apply them to myself. It isn’t always easy.  I struggle with low self-esteem.  But I have started several new journeys this past year, and I intend to see them through.

        Publishing my first book is one of those journeys. The writing part wasn’t so hard.  I started writing at my son’s suggestion.  I was going to keep my writing to myself.  After all, I had heard too many voices say I couldn’t finish anything, I couldn’t do this or that. I finished writing the story and kept it on my computer for over four years, knowing it was there, hidden away, safe and sound where no one could criticize it–or love it.  Finally, in January 2012, a good friend, one whom I trust, told me to go for it.  Her encouragement meant so much.   I brought the story “out of storage” and started to polish it up. It took a lot for me to finally hit the button to send my work, my baby, my story off to be published, out into the world to be read and judged by anyone who chose to do so.  I was trembling when I finally sent it on.

        And now, in a few weeks, it will be published.  Yes, I still find that thought intimidating at times.  And there are times I want to snatch it back and hide it again, pretending it never existed.  But I have a wonderful group of friends who encourage me, and nudge me forward even when we all know it is so hard for me.  They don’t know it, but they are also blocking my way of retreat.  I respect them too much to stop now.  Scientists say that the bumble bee isn’t supposed to fly because its wings are too small, but the bee doesn’t listen to the naysayers.  It just does what it was made to do.  I want to become like that bee and just fly how I was meant to fly.

 

 

 

Reflect today on the ways your friends keep you on track, and thank them in some way.