I didn't accomplish much sewing this weekend, but my husband and I did get out to a movie. The first we have seen in quite some months. We chose to see The Secret Life of Bees, which we both enjoyed enormously. I had read the book by Sue Monk Kidd, and loved it. I was so happy that the director had stayed very true to the author's intentions. Queen Latifa, Alicia Keyes, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Hudson and Dakota Fanning combined to form a very strong cast of incredible women. Don't you just love movies about women rising above their circumstances and succeeding against all odds? This was such a triumphant movie. Beautiful photography too. Some of the scenes were like paintings, in that they captured the beauty of a moment so perfectly.
Queen Latifa seemed to be able to manage her bees just fine. She made it look totally easy. My daughter Sara, however, is having a devil of a time with her girls. They keep stinging her. This is turning out to be a problem because it seems she is allergic to bees. The first few times they stung her, she had a fairly typical reaction, but this latest time, her arm swelled up as big as a bolster pillow. She took herself off to the doctor, who warned her that this was just a small taste of what is to come if she continues to put herself in harm's way and continue to get stung. Some people build immunity with numerous bee stings, others develop a sensitivity that can end up in a very severe (if not deadly) reaction.
So what to do, what to do? The bees and their hive were an anniversary gift from her husband. She wants to be a beekeeper. She feels she has a "commitment" to the bees, as she put it to me. Harumph. I told her to get rid of the bees and start cheese making.
46 responses to “The Secret Life of Bees”
Is the movie as good as the book – sometimes I don’t like to see a movie when I loved the book. So I’m undecided about seeing this one. Maybe your daughter should give up bee keeping – she also has a commitment to her family not to end up seriously ill. There you go that’s my advice for the day.
Is the movie as good as the book – sometimes I don’t like to see a movie when I loved the book. So I’m undecided about seeing this one. Maybe your daughter should give up bee keeping – she also has a commitment to her family not to end up seriously ill. There you go that’s my advice for the day.
Don’t you need cows to make cheese? How about pastries?
Don’t you need cows to make cheese? How about pastries?
Hi Nicole,
I loved this book – sadly the movie doesn’t start in Germany until the end of April…sometimes it’s just unfair ;o)
The story of your daughter & her bees is quite scary…maybe she really should give it up…it’s sad because she wanted to be beekeeper, but that’s definitely not worth the danger to her health…!! {I’m not sure if it’s possible in this case, but maybe she could try a allergen-desensitizing treatment to reduce the immune reaction?}
Cheers, Julia
Hi Nicole,
I loved this book – sadly the movie doesn’t start in Germany until the end of April…sometimes it’s just unfair ;o)
The story of your daughter & her bees is quite scary…maybe she really should give it up…it’s sad because she wanted to be beekeeper, but that’s definitely not worth the danger to her health…!! {I’m not sure if it’s possible in this case, but maybe she could try a allergen-desensitizing treatment to reduce the immune reaction?}
Cheers, Julia
I haven’t yet read the book but do want to see the movie — especially after your review of it.
The bees sound like they’re a real danger to your daughter’s health. I agree with you — get rid of them and maybe make candles or something. It’s just not worth the risk. I hope she has an Epi pen, just in case of another sting.
I haven’t yet read the book but do want to see the movie — especially after your review of it.
The bees sound like they’re a real danger to your daughter’s health. I agree with you — get rid of them and maybe make candles or something. It’s just not worth the risk. I hope she has an Epi pen, just in case of another sting.
it’s 11am, two days after the stig, and my arm is gettign worse. The swelling has moved into my had and ip going up toward my elbow. My hand is throbing with pain, like I have a broken wrist. I hadn’t relaized yesterday that it would worsen this badly. I am off the Claritin and now taking benydryl all day long. Of course I am super sleepy now. Ryan and I ned to have a very serious talk.
I did ant to be a bee keeper, I DO want to be a beekeeper, but this is excrutiating to live with each time I’m stung…
it’s 11am, two days after the stig, and my arm is gettign worse. The swelling has moved into my had and ip going up toward my elbow. My hand is throbing with pain, like I have a broken wrist. I hadn’t relaized yesterday that it would worsen this badly. I am off the Claritin and now taking benydryl all day long. Of course I am super sleepy now. Ryan and I ned to have a very serious talk.
I did ant to be a bee keeper, I DO want to be a beekeeper, but this is excrutiating to live with each time I’m stung…
Hi Nicole, I hope she gets rid of those bees. My neighbor is a beekeeper and he has had some people work for him that had extremely scary and life threatening stings. Yes, the EPI pen is necessary. There is a lovely book called “Beeing” that you may want to read. It even has remedies for stings. Take care both of you! Pam in Chico
Hi Nicole, I hope she gets rid of those bees. My neighbor is a beekeeper and he has had some people work for him that had extremely scary and life threatening stings. Yes, the EPI pen is necessary. There is a lovely book called “Beeing” that you may want to read. It even has remedies for stings. Take care both of you! Pam in Chico
Clearly trading in the bees for goats is in order. With no further delay. Sheesh. A martyr to bees, no less.
Otherwise, I adored that book and even wrote a major paper about it when I was in seminary! I’m very eager to see the movie. Perhaps next week with my GFs while DH is out of town . . . .
Thanks, Nicole, for making me smile at the end of a not-so-good day here, Near Philadelphia.
n
Clearly trading in the bees for goats is in order. With no further delay. Sheesh. A martyr to bees, no less.
Otherwise, I adored that book and even wrote a major paper about it when I was in seminary! I’m very eager to see the movie. Perhaps next week with my GFs while DH is out of town . . . .
Thanks, Nicole, for making me smile at the end of a not-so-good day here, Near Philadelphia.
n
It’s good to hear that the movie was good. I’ve read the book twice (something I RARELY do), and loved it. My husband also developed a sensitivity to, in his case, yellow jacket, stings. It’s quite scary to see the reaction and hear the advice nurse on the phone! Tell her to be careful and to keep her epi pen and benadryl CLOSE.
It’s good to hear that the movie was good. I’ve read the book twice (something I RARELY do), and loved it. My husband also developed a sensitivity to, in his case, yellow jacket, stings. It’s quite scary to see the reaction and hear the advice nurse on the phone! Tell her to be careful and to keep her epi pen and benadryl CLOSE.
Hi Nicole I have a deadly allergy to bees You can get a needle to inject yourself then you have to grt to the nearest hospital. if she goes to the hospital they have a de sensitiveation program they inject you with the venom and build up your immunity to the bee stings over a few month I had to have it done you can die with too many bee stings tell her not to take any risks if she gets stung go straight to her doctor. she has me worried.
Hugs Mary.
Hi Nicole I have a deadly allergy to bees You can get a needle to inject yourself then you have to grt to the nearest hospital. if she goes to the hospital they have a de sensitiveation program they inject you with the venom and build up your immunity to the bee stings over a few month I had to have it done you can die with too many bee stings tell her not to take any risks if she gets stung go straight to her doctor. she has me worried.
Hugs Mary.
Thanks for the movie recommendation. I loved the book. I’d be worried about Sara too. Something that severe shouldn’t be messed with. I’m sure Ryan will understand if she gives up the bees for her own safety. Even if he does most of the tending, she could still get stung. Poor baby.
Thanks for the movie recommendation. I loved the book. I’d be worried about Sara too. Something that severe shouldn’t be messed with. I’m sure Ryan will understand if she gives up the bees for her own safety. Even if he does most of the tending, she could still get stung. Poor baby.
Yikes for Sara! I’ve got a bee/wasp allergy too, mostly anaphylactic though and not so much local to the sting. It is not something to mess with and each sting(as well as different types of stinging insect) can bring a different reaction. The worst reaction I’ve had was to a small wasp. Thank goodness it has been over 20 years since my last sting, can’t imagine how I’ve avoided one this long.
Sara, if it gets worse, please see your doctor or ER!
Yikes for Sara! I’ve got a bee/wasp allergy too, mostly anaphylactic though and not so much local to the sting. It is not something to mess with and each sting(as well as different types of stinging insect) can bring a different reaction. The worst reaction I’ve had was to a small wasp. Thank goodness it has been over 20 years since my last sting, can’t imagine how I’ve avoided one this long.
Sara, if it gets worse, please see your doctor or ER!
Yup, I agree with you Nicole. The bees gotta go. She can die rather quickly the next time.
I don’t share your enthusiasm for the book so I’ll pass on the movie. Sounds like you two had fun though!
Yup, I agree with you Nicole. The bees gotta go. She can die rather quickly the next time.
I don’t share your enthusiasm for the book so I’ll pass on the movie. Sounds like you two had fun though!
I used to be a health clerk at a high school. One of my students was allergic to bees so I kept an epi-pen for him “just in case”. What did he do on the weekends? Work in the orchards when the trees were blooming and the bees were buzzing! Drove me crazy. I’ve seen what anaphylaxis shock can do. It’s not fun.
Maybe she should donate the bees to a local junior college and get a puppy friend for Remy.
I used to be a health clerk at a high school. One of my students was allergic to bees so I kept an epi-pen for him “just in case”. What did he do on the weekends? Work in the orchards when the trees were blooming and the bees were buzzing! Drove me crazy. I’ve seen what anaphylaxis shock can do. It’s not fun.
Maybe she should donate the bees to a local junior college and get a puppy friend for Remy.
I loved the book also…can’t wait to see the movie!
I loved the book also…can’t wait to see the movie!
You make the movie sound great . . . I’ll have to add it to my list of movies to see.
What a shame that the bees aren’t working out. Cheese making sounds like a fine alternative. I’ve got the fixin’s for my first batch of mozzarella. I think it’s going to be fun.
You make the movie sound great . . . I’ll have to add it to my list of movies to see.
What a shame that the bees aren’t working out. Cheese making sounds like a fine alternative. I’ve got the fixin’s for my first batch of mozzarella. I think it’s going to be fun.
I can’t wait to see that movie. I heard it was good. I haven’t read the book either. Guess I should huh?
I can’t wait to see that movie. I heard it was good. I haven’t read the book either. Guess I should huh?
I loved that book! It stayed with me for a very long time. I definitely want to see the movie – thanks for the recommendation.
As for poor Sara, it sounds like she may have to find a new ambition in life. If wanting to have bees is going to harm her health, it truly isn’t worth it. I know she’ll make the right decision. I hope she recovers soon!
I loved that book! It stayed with me for a very long time. I definitely want to see the movie – thanks for the recommendation.
As for poor Sara, it sounds like she may have to find a new ambition in life. If wanting to have bees is going to harm her health, it truly isn’t worth it. I know she’ll make the right decision. I hope she recovers soon!
Great review and you totally cracked me up about Sara. Make Cheese indeed! Now, Mom! 😉
Great review and you totally cracked me up about Sara. Make Cheese indeed! Now, Mom! 😉
Trade bees for cheese! Good idea!! That girl has GOT to give them up….scary. Goats don’t take up much room…cows might be a problem. There’s some mighty good artisan cheese out there to go with all that wine…she could learn.
I wasn’t that crazy about the book myself, and I look forward to the movie making me want to go back and read it again.
Trade bees for cheese! Good idea!! That girl has GOT to give them up….scary. Goats don’t take up much room…cows might be a problem. There’s some mighty good artisan cheese out there to go with all that wine…she could learn.
I wasn’t that crazy about the book myself, and I look forward to the movie making me want to go back and read it again.
Glad to hear you liked the movie. I LOVED the book and am anxious to see the movie too. I figured I would be dissapointed, as the movies never measure up to the movie, but feel encouraged after hearing you both liked it. I’m wondering if you daughter was “inspired” by the book to start beekeeping? It’s not your typical calling! Cheese sounds safer, as long as she isn’t milking the cows hersefl!
Glad to hear you liked the movie. I LOVED the book and am anxious to see the movie too. I figured I would be dissapointed, as the movies never measure up to the movie, but feel encouraged after hearing you both liked it. I’m wondering if you daughter was “inspired” by the book to start beekeeping? It’s not your typical calling! Cheese sounds safer, as long as she isn’t milking the cows hersefl!
I have heard this is a great movie, will wait until it gets to DVD before I watch it, however. As for the bees, I would suggest Sara get rid of them; they can be very harmful to your health if you are allergic to them. Whatever she decides, good luck to her!
I have heard this is a great movie, will wait until it gets to DVD before I watch it, however. As for the bees, I would suggest Sara get rid of them; they can be very harmful to your health if you are allergic to them. Whatever she decides, good luck to her!
I have not read the book nor seen the movie but really want to see the movie – thanks for the review. My husband was a beekeeper before we moved a year ago. I found out the hard way I was allergic to bees as well. Actually it took 3 different reactions before I finally went to the doctor and got tested. I started treatment for it – maybe your daughter would consider that. It was 3 shots a week. Every doctor that I saw I would tell them I was allergic to bees and my husband was a beekeeper – that always guaranteed a curious look from the doctor! We loved beekeeping, we just can’t do it where we are now. The honey is the best – you can’t beat fresh honey!
Good luck to her – but there are options for her if she doesn’t want to give up beekeeping!
I have not read the book nor seen the movie but really want to see the movie – thanks for the review. My husband was a beekeeper before we moved a year ago. I found out the hard way I was allergic to bees as well. Actually it took 3 different reactions before I finally went to the doctor and got tested. I started treatment for it – maybe your daughter would consider that. It was 3 shots a week. Every doctor that I saw I would tell them I was allergic to bees and my husband was a beekeeper – that always guaranteed a curious look from the doctor! We loved beekeeping, we just can’t do it where we are now. The honey is the best – you can’t beat fresh honey!
Good luck to her – but there are options for her if she doesn’t want to give up beekeeping!
Oh my! Sara must get rid of her bees. It’s just too dangerous for her. Make her get rid of them.
I read Secret Life of Bees some years ago. I loved it. My MIL, who knows Sue Monk Kidd and her family, got me an autographed copy. Can’t wait to see the movie.
I finished The Heretic’s Daughter a few days ago. I’m still upset. It just never ceases to amaze me how stupid, ignorant, and cruel people can be to each other. But it was a good book.
Oh my! Sara must get rid of her bees. It’s just too dangerous for her. Make her get rid of them.
I read Secret Life of Bees some years ago. I loved it. My MIL, who knows Sue Monk Kidd and her family, got me an autographed copy. Can’t wait to see the movie.
I finished The Heretic’s Daughter a few days ago. I’m still upset. It just never ceases to amaze me how stupid, ignorant, and cruel people can be to each other. But it was a good book.