KEEP A FLASHLIGHT HANDY.

Hey there, fellow hive enthusiasts and adventurers in the world of beekeeping! I want to share a tale from the sunny side of life that took a sharp turn into the shadows. Picture this: a bright, sunny day, the kind that practically begs you to come out and play. But for me, it was all about business. I had a date with destiny at Hive #10.

Now, this wasn't just any hive check. Oh no, this was a high-stakes mission. See, this hive had been through the wringer. Swarmed and queenless for what felt like ages. My mission? Find that elusive queen or, at the very least, catch a glimpse of her royal handiwork. It's a game of chance, really. Sometimes Mother Nature's on your side, and other times, well, she's a bit of a tough nut to crack.

So there I was, diving deep into the hive, on the hunt for those telltale signs of life. But here's the kicker: spotting those minuscule eggs, tinier than a grain of rice, is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. And wouldn't you know it, just as I was getting into the groove, a thick blanket of clouds decided to crash the party. Talk about bad timing.

But hey, when life throws shade, you gotta shine a light, right? That's when I remembered the sage advice of our mentor, the one and only Bartlett Bee Whisperer: “Always keep a flashlight handy”, he'd say. Wise words, my friends.

With my trusty flashlight in hand, I went back into the fray, determined to shed some light on the situation. And wouldn't you know it, those elusive eggs practically glowed under the beam of my torch. Victory!

But here's the real kicker: it got me thinking. Life's full of those unexpected dark clouds, isn't it? Those moments when you feel like you're fumbling in the dark, searching for answers. But hey, we've all got our backup flashlights, whether it's friends, family, faith, or a little bit of everything.

So next time life throws you a curveball, don't be afraid to flick on that flashlight. Embrace the light, my friends. It's there to guide you through even the darkest of days. And who knows? You just might find a few blinking pearls of wisdom along the way. Keep shining bright, folks. That's what it's all about. And remember, even in the murkiest of moments, there's always a glimmer of hope waiting to be discovered.

Issue #9: Your Flashlight

KEEP A FLASHLIGHT HANDY.