When I first opened the Bee Hive, all truly seemed to fall into place. There was a lot of ease to it – I had perfect timing to acquire the space; the people I needed for support presented themselves when necessary; the fact that I had no idea what I was doing and was oblivious to what I was getting myself into also lended itself to the bubble of illusion that the whole thing was meant to be and would be a smashing success.

I am grateful for the ease of that time.

When I think of Bee Hive now – ease is not the first word that comes to mind.

However. While the opportunities to challenge my determination and moxie can seem endless, so does the gracious generosity, creativity, good-will, and kindness that flows in to the store on a consistent basis.

There has been more than once when I have cried – literally – on my landlord’s shoulder in utter frustration. When the months have been bleak – he has given me relief with his understanding, dedication, and leniency. He is a Bee Hive guardian angel for sure. I don’t think we would still be around without him.

Ingrid and Eric have been filling the store with their special brand of magic made up of some of the best live music around, captivating stories, and engaging movement every month for years now. They have asked nothing of me. They just come. Their events flood the store with joy and now define the Bee Hive as much as our books.

While the opportunities to challenge my determination and moxie have seemed endless, so have the gracious generosity, creativity, good-will, and kindness that flows in to the store on a consistent basis.

My friend Pat and I have been doing early morning sun salutations side by side for probably twelve years now. She is a retired art teacher and her skill (volunteered) has spun the Bee Hive chalk board into whimsical, transporting works of art month after month.  I say, how about a bird’s nest in a tree? Or, kites flying? Or a unicorn? Effortless creativity. Pat’s chalk art is another thing that now is ingrained in the language of the Bee Hive.

Laura. Laura not only is a born book-seller with her endless knowledge and love of kids’ books of all genres, she also has voluntarily adopted the store’s floors as her own. Not only does she Swiff away the dirt of many many feet, but on her time off, she replenishes the Swiffer pads. The floors, along with the Bee Hive’s front yard, are transformed by Laura on a regular basis. Her love for the Bee Hive is exuded in all she does every minute she is in the store.

Our loyal and wonderful customers go out of their way to support us, even when, sometimes, there are more convenient ways to get what they need. They just get it. And get us. And they fill the counter with piles of purchases as often as they can.

The energy of all the love and generosity and kindness that is directed toward Bee Hive is seeped into the walls, the floors, the books. I believe you can feel it when you walk into the store. It’s a hub – a hive – of all that so many people have come together to create.

I don’t feel as if I am the proprietor of Bee Hive. More like the care taker. As if it belongs to no one. And everyone. It is the community around it that has created it and nurtured it into what it is. It has not been an entity of ease. But the gem it is in the rough of an increasingly splintered world – make the challenges an honor.