I came nose to nose
with a fuzzy
bumble bee

……

in a crowded parking lot.

I froze. She stared.

bumble bee botanical artist stephey transparent

Wing and breath became one.

Time eerily slowed.

My fear thawed quickly as the hypnotic motion of her wings buzzed round and round in figure eights. The buzzing grew louder and louder. My body vibrated as the sound surrounded me — until I disappeared.

I don’t know where I disappeared as I faded away.

But it shifted me from feeling tense and startled into relaxed and open. My senses heightened. I feel a slight breeze on my cheeks from her invisible wings. I began to notice her black hairy legs dangling. They were slightly weighed down by fine spongy yellow dots of pollen. I wondered how many flowers she visited to be covered like that. She comes closer.

My perspective changed into an observer—observing. I was aware of how I felt while simultaneously being aware of wondering what she felt too. I noticed the limitations of my sight line as it expanded to include nearly everything around me. It was as if I was looking into a garden gazing ball.

I squinted as her black mirror eyes reflected the sun.

I’m consumed with sunlight—unable to see.

I sense myself being drawn deeper. At one point, only light existed. It was as if you stared into the sun but never looked away. Because the light didn’t blind you it inspired you to see.

Though this was not my first experience of disappearing like this, it was with a bumble bee! She marked another wondrous encounter with Nature and a significant change taking place in my life.

She inspired me to transform my tiny urban garden into a habitat for Bumble bees, native solitary bees, and ALL pollinators. Learning all I can about Bumble bees and how to support their livelihood is one way I express reverence for her. But it’s natural for me to protect what I cherish. I think I’m like most people and want to take care of those I love.

After all, who we love live inside our heart, they become a part of who we are and carry them with us throughout the day.

I am forever bonded and grateful to the humble bumble bee. I just hope my heart is big enough for her to buzz freely around in it.

I hope she feels cherished too and that I am able to make a difference.

(This is my wish for all pollinators)

botanical artist stephey sunlight pen and ink drawing

Bumble bee drawing pen and ink by stephey baker

All photography and artwork are copyrighted by stephey baker unless noted otherwise

My work is guided by Nature

to reflect the artistry and intelligence of the natural world.

…….

Bonding with the natural world is a crucial part of my well-being as an artist. Spending quality time with Nature allows me to focus my inner vision to see beyond my senses, quiet my mind, and settle into my inner landscape. Here I am free to let my imagination run wild in an enchanted world inspired by Nature and symbolism, in which flora and fauna are messengers of Nature’s teaching.

I will always strive for flora and fauna to recognize me as a friend and encourage you to make a connection of your own to the natural world.