The Moment Before the Honey
Aloha Bee-utiful World!
The Honey Huntress is back in Action! After a month of visitors here on Maui, and an unexpected change of employment, I’m finally finding my equilibrium and coming back to my deepest passion and sense of purpose: Honey!
“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
My time visiting with family and friends was that moment Pooh so perfectly describes, the moment before the honey. The moment of anticipation and gratitude for what is and what is to come. I am so blessed for the family and friends I have, and all the support I am receiving as I pursue my hunt for honey. This was a very special time and I am inspired now more than ever to sustain my life through my own endeavors, so that I may have the ability to travel the world, as well as be closer to home.
Don’t Worry, Bee Happy!
Summer is just around the corner, and I have a whole slew of honey adventures lined up! Starting next week with a honey-themed full body paint and photoshoot with my sweet friend and amazing artist Melissa Bruck. I have no idea what to expect, but I know it will be fantastic and fun! Watch for photos soon!
A busy local beekeeper has been diligently offering me the opportunity to assist in some exciting bee removals. These are where he attempts to trap the queen and transfer the bees into a box from random locations where the bees have made their home, like old churches and barns. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to make any of these removals yet, but there’s is no doubt it will happen soon! Mahalo and thank you to beekeeper Ryan from Hoku Nui.
Also, I am intrigued to finally schedule an apitherapy session with Jessica Montana from Green Medicine Maui. Apitherapy is the practice of acupuncture with the sting and venom of a honeybee. It is said to help immensely with joint pain and arthritis, and even though I can’t claim these ailments per se, I do have some shoulders that crack and crunch all the time, so I may see what she can do in that area. I almost got a session while my friend was visiting, but decided against it since it does require a little recovery time. I wanted to make sure I could play and swim without issue while entertaining my guest, but now my calendar is open and I am ready to experience a whole other form of bee medicine!
And lastly, though hardly final, I have a much anticipated trip to the island of Molokai to meet the wild honey bees of Molokai Meli, a very special apiary with very rare kiawe honey run by the darling Kaneshiro family. I’m working hard to be there by July, and can’t wait to try their honey, but need to save up for both since it is about $30 for a little more than 6 oz.! However, I have no doubt it is worth it! I imagine they have some of the world’s elite on their regular buyers’ list.
These adventures plus endless honey tastings and explorations will cause this summer to fly by. It is no longer the moment before the honey, it is the moment of the honey. The summer heat and the honey sweet will require plenty of hydration, so fill your water bottles, because the Hunt is On!