she covers

When investigating a potential site for a new hive, scout bees carefully check to ensure it meets certain specifications. For example: It must be large enough to hold a volume of not less than about six and a half gallons. It must have a small entrance that has a maximum diameter of about one and a half inches and that lies near the base to facilitate removal of waste. Finally, it should face south for warmth, and it should lie high off the ground to protect against predators. This week I have been revisiting the idea of a constructed identity using a comforter as an extension of self and home. In 2005, I spent one year hand sewing a comforter. An ironically appropriate activity for me as I would learn later, that the bees who are 12-20 days old called the middle-aged workers are responsible for constructing the comb. This piece entitled ‘she covers’ speaks of self-sustainability – the pursuit of constructing the hive within - it is an appropriate place to store the honey and find every necessity for comfort to sustain proper balance in life.