Saturday, July 21, 2012

letting him off his leash

I have days when I feel as if I am eight-years old.  When everything astounds me.

I remember when I moved to Mexico, everywhere I looked offered something new.  Horses.  Whales.  A family of five on a motorcycle.

They were fascinating enough to end up as photographs on my blogs -- where veteran Mexico expatriates would calm me down with: "Yes.  It's a horse.  We have them here." or "Wait until you see eight on one scooter."

It always sounded like a mixture of "You're acting like a tourist" and "Act your age."  Not that there is a centavo's worth of difference between the two.

I was simply showing that I was green wood.

Well, green I still am.

This week, I was walking through the garden when I heard voices.  Not quite human.  But there was a distinct conversational rhythm.  Similar to the sounds you hear from a pocket-dialed mobile.

But it wasn't coming from below.  It was just above my head in the ficus tree.  Suspecting that if God had chosen to have a conversation with me, He would have taken a clearer tone, I took a closer look.

In a clump of leaves were a handful of bees.  Honey bee-sized, but emerald green.

A bit of research indicates they are orchid bees.  But they were definitely not after orchids on those leaves.  It appeared they were after an orgy.  Unless my lessons on the birds and bees have failed me, they appeared to be involved in a reproduction cycle.  On my ficus.

I just stood there.  Fascinated with their song.  Their fairy-light flight.  Their primitive beauty.  I could almost hear them recite:
—Look at you!
So handsome, so pleasing, my darling!
Our bed is the greenery;
cedars are the beams of our houses,
cypresses the rafters.
And, in that moment, I knew it was time for me to let that eight-year old run free.  Even if he doesn't own a camera that can take decent macro shots.

30 comments:

Felipe Zapata said...

Well, that's one thing I've never seen up here in the mountains, but I'd like to.

Tancho said...

At first I thought it was the heat......

Mcotton said...

They are fascinating.  Thet look like they were creasted out of colored foil paper.

Steve Cotton said...

Life here is filled with beautiful surprises like this.

Steve Cotton said...

That is a perfect description.

Steve Cotton said...

Not to mention the possibility of croc fever.

Mommy with Commuter Husband said...

"I have days when I feel as if I am eight-years old.  When everything astounds me."
Love this.

Living in Mexico or many unfamiliar places provides opportunities for this phenomena.

But not all adults are attracted to this seeking this emotional state. Too many risks.

I get live this daily with my 10 year old who has either inherited or perhaps learned to approach life with constant enthusiasm. He inspires me to look for ways to put this into my life on a more regular basis. Hard to do in the US child-rearing rat race.

Debiinmerida said...

Don't ever let anyone pooh pooh that sense of wonder and enjoyment at the little things that make up your day. I too find great pleasure in these little moments.

Steve Cotton said...

 If anyone convinced me of that, this blog would be tale-less.

Steve Cotton said...

As a child I was inquisitive, but my younger brother taught me to see live life with enthusiasm.  That alone makes him my best friend.

Penny said...

I've never seen those before, they're beautiful.

Irene said...

Thank you for sharing. They are beautiful.

Bugsy said...

Did you spray them with Raid?

John Calypso said...

Not a bug fan - no matter the color ;-0

Mommy with Commuter Husband said...

I hope that Oldest Son finds that in his younger brother ...

Steve Cotton said...

In some cases, it takes time.  It did with me.  Being The Eldest is Serious Business.

Steve Cotton said...

Having spotted this group, I now see them all around the property.

Steve Cotton said...

Too bad.  These bees are fantastic.  

Steve Cotton said...

 My pleasure.

Steve Cotton said...

Not on purpose.  But there is that pesky collateral damage doctrine.

Babsofsanmiguel said...

ALWAYS act like an eight year old and see the wonder in the world.  I'm older then you and still do......It sure adds to life, don't you think?

Steve Cotton said...

I received an email from someone I know only through one coffee.  The thrust of the letter was a sermon about acting my age.  My answer was: I am; I am eight.  Aleays have been.  And I hope I always will be.

Alan said...

I am not sure eight year olds should be reading Song of Solomon!  

Steve Cotton said...

I am glad someone noted the source.  Of course, at eight, I was writing stuff like that.

BarbRelic said...

Maybe these interesting critters could be some sort of sentries for the Emerald City. Did you see any ruby slippers laying about? (Don't pay any attention to me, my attention span is that of a gnat.) 

Steve Cotton said...

I am not certain they would be very good sentries.  If they are male, they are stingless.  The males apparently do not nothing all day long other than gathering perfumes to stuff in the pockets of their legs.  Only the females sting.  And, if you think I am going any further, you obviously consider me braver than I am.

Shannon Casey said...

Hang on to that eight year old Steve. I have been here for over 6 years and am still as mesmerized by it all as the first day. The day that I lose that sense of wonder is the day I die. 
And the bees are amazing! Like jewels.

Steve Cotton said...

My little garden on the shore of the laguna is a source of constant wonder for me.

christina said...

the child-like feeling of wonder is one of the things that keeps me coming back to Mexico.  Enjoy the blog mucho...thanks Steve.

Steve Cotton said...

And I thank you.