I'm going to start a regular post called "Muse-Flash!" where I'll write about something interesting, unusual, and thought-provoking and hope you will do the same in the comments. Maybe these little tidbits can provide some writing inspiration for all of us.
I had the idea for Muse-Flash! because I was once inspired by a blog post by Julia Karr where she linked to a video of a Mimic Octopus (watch it, it's amazing!). Later, when I was revising and needed an animal for the younger sister in my story to discuss, I remembered that octopus and into the novel it went! I hope to do the same for someone else.
So, my first Muse-Flash! is about an alternative use for bee-venom (other than the one the bees themselves put it to, defending their hives). I have a friend--a fellow beekeeper--who stings herself intentionally with her bees because it minimizes her arthritis pain and reduces inflammation.
Here is a great video by National Geographic about bee sting therapy:
I had the idea for Muse-Flash! because I was once inspired by a blog post by Julia Karr where she linked to a video of a Mimic Octopus (watch it, it's amazing!). Later, when I was revising and needed an animal for the younger sister in my story to discuss, I remembered that octopus and into the novel it went! I hope to do the same for someone else.
So, my first Muse-Flash! is about an alternative use for bee-venom (other than the one the bees themselves put it to, defending their hives). I have a friend--a fellow beekeeper--who stings herself intentionally with her bees because it minimizes her arthritis pain and reduces inflammation.
Here is a great video by National Geographic about bee sting therapy:
I started keeping bees last year in a home-made (top-bar) hive with a captured swarm. Bee swarms are supposed to be very docile to collect so I didn't bother buying a bee-suit. My thought was: why waste money if I don't even know I'll get a swarm? As it turned out my swarm wasn't docile--they stung me eleven times. I later discovered that they'd clung to that tree for three days, through a major storm, and that the homeowner whacked them with a baseball bat to encourage them to leave (please--don't ever do that, people). So, I think I got off easy.
Anyway, what did those eleven stings do for me? First, they made my body vibrate. I got a rush of adrenaline that gave me the strength of ten-men (you know, at least). But--then they just hurt. The bee that got me on a finger joint made my pinky look exactly like a sausage--a shiny, shiny sausage. So, maybe you have to start with inflammation to lessen inflammation?
But, despite the pain, I think it's an intriguing and fascinating remedy (unless the patient is allergic and then they'd just die--so don't try this at home). If I ever find a way to include it in a novel, I will! But in the meantime, perhaps it will work its way into one of your manuscripts? And if it does I wanna hear about it.

If you have any interesting tidbits, links or thoughts to share, please do so in the comments. We could all use a Muse-Flash! once in a while.
I love LOVE LOVE your beekeeper outfit - so creative. And I also love National Geographic, I'm quite addicted to their documentaries right now. :3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle! My husband thought I was insane. Still does, actually. And you'd get along with my four-year-old! That's all he watches. =D
ReplyDeleteJust catching up on your blog, and I love this post! I am excited for more from the Muse-Flash series! ...And I also expect a package of honey and beeswax to arrive in the mail one of these days ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lalove! If you play your cards right you just might get something like that. If you don't you'll get venom. ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredibly fun idea, this Muse-Flash! And you crazy woman trying to catch a swarm with no bee suit...yikes!
ReplyDeleteI'm allergic to stings in varying degrees, depending on who's the stinger. I was stung by a poor little honey bee one time (playing frisbee barefoot in a field...will never go barefoot outside ever again), and the sting hurt for half a year.