MY FRIEND THE "KEEPER"

On Cape Cod, we have beekeepers, pond keepers (e.g. Orleans Pond Coalition), gardeners, nature volunteers and climate activists. And then there's my friend who does all those activities and more. Older than I, though most wouldn't believe it, with endless energy; determination, she commands your attention with quiet gravity but smiles with grace. Also, in today's jargon, she'd be called an ambivert.

B.'s also a wife, mother and grandmother. I get to see B.'s family on special occasions. Needless to say, she's garnered enormous respect from her children and their spouses; squeals of joy from the grandchildren.

Illinois Indian roots along with northern European: long, razor-straight dark hair, now sprinkled with salt; sharp eyes that open wide with defiance when challenged, there's no question that my friend has strong opinions. She occasionally adopts strays like her blind, arthritic mutt that sounds the alarm when visitors enter the house, yet calms quickly when he detects a friendly presence, and humans like me who don't fit society's mold but bring curiosity to the table.

More so, my friend has artistic precision. Her woven rugs (see above) and tapestries demonstrate fine attention to detail without clutter and great sense of color. This woman dresses in clothes that understate her personality and do away with fanciful accessories. Although she does accessorize, minimally, she saves her energy for her commanding personality and creativity.

Of all her interests, I'll call her B. to maintain her anonymity, something she'd want I'm sure, B.'s love of beekeeping mesmerizes me. How does one decide to take on such a challenge? After attending a workshop, B. became interested in preserving nature's pollinator's, particularly after learning about honeybees dying off in droves. Ever the nature-preserver, B. became a beekeeper. Clearly, to me at least, a hobby she has undertaken with inner calm and careful authority. Like a queen bee, no setback will deter B. from maintaining her colony.

Yes, B. can be a taskmaster: questioning, sometimes simple responses--a reporter fact-checking her source's story. Exacting standards sometimes bow even the normally unflappable, though her wanting perfection doesn't mean others will achieve it.

With that said, having a friend one can rely on to listen, do and act, if available, demonstrates an ability few people will embrace these days. As friends go, B. is a "keeper."

For a description of more of B.'s tapestries, read my book DARK SEA (Shadowwater II). www.shadowwater.net