Dear Friends,

Welcome to the Spring 2015 issue of The Dolphin, where we showcase longer articles and stories from our writers -  wonderful stories you'll love! 

This month we offer you a taste of everything!  A beautiful poem; some gardening tips; a conversation about family caregivers; a beekeeper's journey to success; a paradoxical question about the universe; a book review about a fictional world-wide catastrophe; two men preparing to restore a boat;  and a piece of a story about a golden retriever, meditation, and family. 

If you'd like to comment on any of our stories, just click here:  comments  

We'd Love to hear from you!    

 - - Carole - -

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The Bee Whisperer:  Carolina Honeybees Farm

By Deb Peluso

Charlotte Anderson did not come from a long line of beekeepers. Her curiosity about bees was piqued when she was a child, but it wasn't until years later, when she observed her father-in-law tending his small beekeeping hive, that she began to revisit the idea of having her own hives.  Anderson was fascinated by the process of procuring honey and loved eating fresh, bite-sized nuggets of honeycomb.

At the time, Anderson, who earned a B.A. in Education from Clemson University, had a full plate between teaching, gardening, and raising award-winning chickens and horses.  But she couldn't shake her desire to have her own honeybee hives.

In her late forties, Anderson's passion to work with bees could no longer be ignored. "I was gonna have to have some bee hives. My life was not going to be complete if I did not get to try it," she said. But it was a long journey from fledgling beekeeper to 2012's South Carolina Beekeeper of the year - an accomplishment not common for women.

Charlotte Anderson and her Dad Photo by  Deb Peluso

Establishing her farm, Carolina Honeybees, with only two hives, she continued studying and connecting with fellow beekeepers around the country. Upon reaching a 25-hive farm, Anderson soon realized she wasn't able to give all her attention to so many hives. She decided that if she focused her attention on fewer hives, she may be able to improve her output with fewer hives. "I decided I was going to cut my hive numbers back to maybe 12. I thought I could be a better bee keeper with 10 or 12. Then my bees wouldn't suffer and I'd probably get about as much honey as I would with the 25."

Anderson genuinely loves her bees. "I would like to have a day no bees would die. I know that can't happen but it would be good to have a day no bee would die."  

Anderson entered the beekeeping world at a time when things were changing for the honeybee industry. A honeybee parasite, identified as "varroa," began destroying colonies all over the country, including Anderson's. Similar to a flea, they suck blood from the bees, weakening and shortening the bee's life span and even causing developmental issues.

Anderson began researching chemical-free methods to keep her hives safe, not wanting to hurt her bees with damaging pesticides. This search for knowledge led Anderson to the next phase of her beekeeping journey.

She applied to the South Carolina Beekeepers program, a challenging series of training and tests for certification. Each certification level of the program takes at least two years to complete. Anderson was not deterred by the challenge - in fact, she was propelled by the idea that she could achieve a status that few women have: Master Beekeeper.  

In 2012 she was awarded that prestigious honor, and she was also honored as Beekeeper of the Year.

Anderson currently spends her time lecturing, volunteering at Hagood Mill, and selling her products at festivals and local farmer's markets, with the help of her father. Her products include 100% pure honey, lip balms, beeswax soaps made with fresh local goat's milk, and 100% beeswax candles.

Photo by Deb Peluso

Anderson's success isn't confined to South Carolina. A customer was so enthralled by Anderson's beeswax soaps that she exclusively furnishes her Tuscan villa with them. Anderson smiles proudly, "I was very honored for that. I will never make it to Italy, but my soap will."

Charlotte Anderson's blog and online shop 

reprinted with permission from OurUpstateSC.info

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By Dr. Arthur Lewin

The other day I was still wrestling with the idea of the Big Bang

Trying to wrap my mind around the idea of it

All these many years since I had heard of it

When all of a sudden

I read where they said

Maybe it did not happen

Maybe the universe was always here

Say what?

It may be that the universe is infinite,

Always was and always will be.

But how can that be?

 How can that not be?

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Book Club Notes   

Blindness

by Dimitra Savvidou 

Is there wrong, is there right? Is there punishment for crimes and wrongs? 

The main symbol: the blindness, an illness conquering the majority of the population of that unknown town. One heroine can still see, so she is the one serving the rest when a number of the unnamed protagonists gather in an asylum-type shelter.

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Sunrise Lotus (Excerpt)   

 

By Frank Clark 

Sunrise at Sanibel Island, Florida.  The surf gently rolls ashore. Foamy and cool across your feet. Very peaceful at this time of day.

"Gram, will you take us to the beach to hunt for sea shells?" says Molly.

"Will you, Gram, will you?" says Joey in an excited voice.

"I will, dears. Let me finish my coffee and danish, then we'll go."  

"Thanks, Gram," say Joey and Molly.  

"Hooray, hooray!"

"Ready, kids? In your swim suits? Have your pails? One more thing, I'll need my sea foam pad. It makes it comfortable for me to sit and watch the sunrise."  

"We're ready, Gram.   Can Beemer come?" says Joey. "He hasn't had his walk yet, please."

"Okay, come on, Beem. Get his leash. That's a good boy," says Gram.

"This way, Gram," says Joey. "The beach is just over the dune."

Molly and Joey both run ahead. "Down here, Gram, down here."  

Gram steps down from the boardwalk to the sand. The kids run ahead.

"What about Beemer? Take him, too. He'll enjoy his wade and run in the surf. Take him, Joey," says Gram as she looks for the right spot on the sand.

"Gram, are you gonna come out, too?" says Molly.

"Not yet, just go and start your hunt. Stay nearby in sight of me. I'll be right here on my green foam pad. Must start my morning meditation. I already see the light of dawn."

Gram places her sea foam pad on the sand. She positions herself in a lotus pose. She sits straight up, with both legs crossed, arms relaxed and resting comfortably on her knees. The palms of her hands are open. She is ready to meditate.

The sunlight beams her way. With a glow on her face, she closes her eyes. She inhales, then exhales. Inhales, exhales. She begins to chant her mantra. "Hum, hum, aah. Hum, hum, aah. Inhale, exhale. She folds her hands and raises them above her head. "Refresh my heart and soul. Your energy, I receive."

"Gram, Gram, look, see, I got shells," said Molly excitedly.

"Indeed, you do, my child. Let's see."

"Gram, are you ready to come out to shore with us?"

"Not yet, honey. Still in meditation. I'll be out in about twenty minutes."

"Gram, here's Beemer," says Joey.  " He ran in and out of the water. I think he's ready for a rest. Can he stay with you for awhile?"  

"Of course.  Beemer and I can sun bathe together. Sit here, Beemer. Sit here."

Gram is back in lotus position.  Beemer, on the mat beside her, watches as she begins her chant. He seems amused by the sounds she makes and continues to watch her as she meditates. "Hum, hum, aah. Hmm, hmm, aah." Inhale, exhale. Gram raise her arms up above her head with folded hands.

"Refresh my heart and soul. Your energy I receive."

Beemer moves around in front of Gram. He looks up at her. Their eyes connect and Gram senses that Beemer wants to join in on her song of day.

"Beemer, you want to receive the light of day?"

Beemer barks with his paws out stretched in front of him.

"Bathe you in the light?"  "Ruff!"  

"Do you want peace and harmony?"  "Ruff, ruff, ruff, ruff!"

"Beemer, let me position you so you, too, can receive the light of day."

Beemer meditating

Gram is again in lotus position. Beemer, a large golden retriever, is lying on his back with paws outstretched, his eyes shut.  

"Beemer, you look comfortable, let's begin. Repeat after me:

"Bathe me in your light."  "Arf, arf, woof."

"Bathe me in your peace."  "Arf, arf, arf, woof."

"Bathe me in your love."  "Arf, arf, woof, woof."  

"Peace and harmony."  "Woof, woof, arf, arf."  

Then he pants, "Hah-hah, ha-hah."

Gram and Beemer continue to receive the light and energy from the sun. Nearly done,   and here come Joey and Molly.

"Gram, what's wrong with Beemer? Did something happen to him? It's like he's in some sort of trance."

"Beemer is fine. He's in a meditative state. He has fallen into a slumber from the energy of the sun. He is okay."

Beemer starts to move his head back and forth; he yawns then begins to pant.   He rises up slowly and sits up looking at the risen sun. Now, he is fully alert and wagging his tail.

"Beemer, you have come back to life," says Joey.

Molly, dripping wet and full of sand, gives Beemer a big hug and a kiss.

"Let's go, kids, it's going to be a delightful day," says Gram.

They hold hands while carrying their pails, and Beemer leads the way in peace and harmony.

See You Next Month!

We hope you've enjoyed our stories.

If you'd like to send us comments, just click here:

comments 

 Stay happy,  Walk in the sunshine!  

Love your pets, and talk to your plants 

Revel in your family!  Treasure your friends!

  Help your neighbors!  Share your bounty!

Splash in puddles!!

And always, always give thanks !

The Living Happy Writers Group