I just finished the manuscript for my next book, which is slated to come out in the spring of next year. It’s all about the mercurial world of honey bees and beekeeping, and, as such, I’ve really had bees on the brain lately!

But, before I get too far into that,  I wanted to let you know that I should be here a lot now, and I could use your help with something. Namely, I really miss having the old Lost Soul Companion forum, and I think it would be a shame not to reinstate it. So, weigh in, if you don’t mind, with a comment — or send me an email behind the scenes to let me know what you think. . .

So, back to bees. Besides my honey bees, I have become quite interested in all of the wild pollinators out there — feral bees of many stripes, bumble bees, solitary wasps, and so on. As such, I’ve joined the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, and I grabbed a copy of Kenn Kaufman’s Field Guide to Insects of North America. I’ve been snapping some good photos around the place and trying to identify the beneficial bugs when I am able. Here is someone I caught in the act:

I initially thought she was some kind of tiny bee,  but Father Knows Best. This is more likely what’s known as a Toxomerus hover fly. Here is an especially lovely one.

–S.

It’s been pretty quiet in here because I am finishing up a new, non-fiction book on bees and beekeeping. And when I’m not working on that, I’ve been messing in the garden. I’ve also been thinking quite a bit about The Lost Soul Companion Project forums. I miss having them, and I wonder if others don’t miss them, too. If I could find some iron-clad software, I would happily launch them again. Does anyone out there have any suggestions for me on that front? Let me know. . .

So the last week has been interesting…

After The New York Times ran my op/ed I was contacted by ABC to do a quick segment on Bee Movie and real-life honeybees. You should be able to see it here — just click on the video link labeled “Queen Bee Sounds Off.”

Just yesterday the Times ran a great piece that really explores the failings of Bee Movie in the way that I would’ve liked to had I had more space to do so. At least the info is out there now.

–S.

In today’s New York Times, I take Bee Movie behind the woodshed for a light spanking. Someone had to do it…

–S.

Ever wonder what you would get if you crossed a Lost Soul Companion Project poofy bird with an ordinary honeybee? Wonder no more. . .

(Drawn by James and published with his kind permission.) Isn’t she cute?. . .

–S.