My excitement grows as I see the crimson colored liquid begin to ooze through the silky white bag. First it’s just a few slow drops scattered across the wax paper. Then the drops coalesce into puddles, then trickles, until there is a steady stream of nature pouring into my bowl.
The liquid shimmers as it settles towards the bottom of the bowl, the bright light catching the iridescence. The multitudes of reds, yellows, pinks, coral, lavender and magenta swirl together, changing every moment. And the fragrance of thousands of petals smells like heaven.
When the flow gradually stops, the pressure is released and the flattened bags of petals are put aside for later drying into sachets and bookmarks. But the process is far from over and I am shaking with excitement as I look at another creation that resulted from the pressing of the petals. The wax paper is unfolded revealing a dazzling multicolored abstract like a Rohrschach blot, created from the blending of the colors of the petals in each bag. Although each is different, they all share the same artist - nature. Or more specifically it’s the liquid colored essence of rose that is the true artiste. The pressing process and the resultant artwork is only one part of my craft of working with roses. My true passion is maximizing the versatility of this iconic flower by enjoying and creating products from every stage of its life cycle. In turn, each process creates a product that can be monetized.
My love of roses started as a love for my grandma with the same name, and then grew into a passion in my garden which is filled with roses of all sizes, shapes, colors and fragrances. A few years ago when I was tending to them, I couldn’t help noticing the loud buzzing of the surrounding bees and the roses weren’t the only flowers fluttering from the beating wings of the bees. The blooming Wisteria petals and many of the nearby plants and flowers were also dancing under the tiny feet of the bees as they filled their bodies with pollen.
I began to think about becoming a beekeeper and having my own hives. Becoming an apiarist had always been a dream of mine and I found myself at a time and place in my life that made this a very enticing possibility. I began to do some research on beekeeping and became immediately absorbed and intrigued with this female dominated society of incredibly collaborative creatures, who are also sadly disappearing at alarming rates. I was hooked and decided that I was going to be a beekeeper and started beekeeping.
Here’s some cool facts that most people don’t know about bees.
1. Bees only live for about 45 days, except the queen who can live for up to 5 years
2. If a hive becomes “queenless” which can happen for many reasons, the bees CREATE a new Queen, simply by feeding her “royal” food!
3. Every bee in the hive, which is usually thousands, has their own specific job. There are nurse bees that feed the baby larvae, bouncer bees at the entrance to the hive, and foragers who use their bodies to signal each other where to find the best pollen and nectar.
4. Male bees, called drones, are only allowed in the hive for a certain amount of time and at the end of the season, all are killed. While alive, their main function is to mate with the queen.
5. And finally, honey is technically “bee spit!”
Spring is a busy time for both bees and roses. Roses leaf out and their perfect, tight buds give a sneak peek of their color and signature scent. Once the bud unfurls into its full glory, a gift to the senses, I rush for my favorite clippers and proceed to gathering the blooms. My heart swells with contentment, my nose fills with the heady aroma and I fill my house with bouquets of roses in every room.
As the life cycle of the roses continues and the petals begin to fall, I separate them into piles for the next step in the process of making products- either drying or pressing. The dried petals are put into mason jars, and stowed away in the dark for 6-8 weeks as it brews into rose oil. The light rose scented oil, which is rich in Vitamin C is easily absorbed into the skin, making it a perfect face and skin moisturizer.
The moist, still supple petals are stuffed into silk bags that have been pre-cut to fit into the pressing machine. These puffy, colorful pillars of petals are then placed into a piece of wax paper and put into the press machine to begin the magic. As pressure and heat is applied, the miraculous, organic, liquid that is coaxed out of the bags is the very essence of the rose- pure nature. This liquid is bottled and sold as an elixir, like the rose water used by Cleopatra to keep her skin glowing. I have also “accidentally” found it to be a powerfully healing tincture for burns, keeping the redness to a minimum and happily, keeping blisters at bay. Spraying the luscious essence on clothes, sheets or in your space, means that you don’t have to stop to smell them, you simply close your eyes and inhale the enveloping unmistakeable scent of roses. The wax paper pieces that result from the pressing are hung to dry, matted and then framed to be sold as one of a kind pieces of artwork.
As the blooming season ends and the petals become scarce, rose hips form the protective covering around the sacred rose seeds. These shiny, smooth, red, orange, or pink balls of color are the signal from nature that the circle of life of the rose is about to close. These hips are also my signal to again pull out the shears and complete the final step in the process. The hips are cut from the bush, dried, germinated, and when spring fills the air, planted to begin the circle of life anew.
In beekeeping, the most labor intensive time for beekeepers is actually in early spring, before the bees arrive in the hive. Frames and hive boxes are painted, cleaned and I affix my “Blue Marble” honey logo to the hive, and place it in the ideal southwest facing location. Once the bees are a functioning colony within the hive, they know perfectly well how to take care of themselves so human interaction, intrusion, and interruption of the bees is kept to a minimum. Bees mostly need our help to protect their hives from disease or collapse, while supporting their survival by continually planting pollinator friendly plants in our gardens.
The marriage of utilizing roses to their fullest with the magnificent products that come from bees and their hives is another source of inspiration. Incorporating the scent of roses into the versatile honey comb and wax material is a process that I am just beginning to learn and employ. The possibilities that arise for products from these 2 amazing natural processes is a never-ending source of excitement.
Hopefully, my crafts of nurturing and sustaining the life cycles of roses and honey bees is not just an enjoyable and ultimately money making activity for me but is also making a fraction of a difference to our planet. At least that is what I choose to think as I stare at my garden through my rose colored glasses.
About the Creator
Bee Gold
I have always used writing as a way to clear my head, clarify my vision, and put words to my feelings. In this new chapter of my life, I am focusing on adding “author“ to my resume. I am excited to have a platform to share my perceptions🙏
Severe Cold Grips the Country as Hunza Records −21°C: Pakistan Faces a Deep Winter Freeze
A powerful cold wave has swept across Pakistan, plunging temperatures to alarming lows and turning daily life into a test of endurance for millions. The northern region of Hunza has recorded a bone-chilling −21°C, marking one of the coldest temperatures of the season and drawing national attention to the intensity of this winter. As icy winds cut through valleys and plains alike, the country is experiencing a severe cold spell that is affecting health, travel, agriculture, and energy supplies. Hunza at the Center of the Freeze Hunza, known worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, has transformed into a frozen world. At −21°C, rivers partially freeze, roads become slippery, and even routine activities turn risky. Residents of the valley, though accustomed to harsh winters, describe this cold as unusually intense. Water pipelines have frozen solid, livestock require special care, and heating resources are stretched to their limits. Despite the extreme conditions, life continues. Locals rely on traditional methods of insulation, wood-burning stoves, and community cooperation to survive the cold nights. However, the severity of the temperature has raised concerns about vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those living in remote areas with limited access to fuel and medical facilities. Cold Wave Spreads Across Pakistan While Hunza sits at the epicenter of the cold, the effects are being felt nationwide. Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing sub-zero temperatures, while major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are facing unusually cold mornings and dense fog. In the plains, nighttime temperatures have dropped sharply, catching many residents off guard. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the cold wave may persist, driven by continental air systems moving southward. These systems not only lower temperatures but also increase the risk of frost, fog, and icy conditions on highways, disrupting travel and trade. Impact on Daily Life and Health Severe cold brings serious health risks, particularly for those without adequate shelter or heating. Hospitals in colder regions report an increase in patients suffering from hypothermia, respiratory infections, and flu-like illnesses. Doctors advise people to stay warm, avoid unnecessary exposure to cold, and ensure proper ventilation when using indoor heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In urban areas, gas shortages and power outages have intensified the struggle. Many households face limited gas supply during peak morning and evening hours, forcing families to rely on electric heaters or alternative fuels. This increased demand places additional pressure on the national power grid, raising the risk of load shedding. Agriculture and Livelihoods Under Threat The cold wave poses a significant threat to agriculture, particularly winter crops and orchards. Frost can damage wheat fields, vegetables, and fruit trees, potentially impacting yields and farmers’ incomes. In northern areas, livestock owners are working hard to protect animals from the cold, as freezing temperatures can lead to illness and even death among cattle and sheep. Tourism, a vital source of income for regions like Hunza, has also been affected. While some tourists are drawn by the snow-covered scenery, many trips have been canceled due to dangerous road conditions and travel advisories. Local businesses, already facing economic challenges, are feeling the strain of reduced visitor numbers. Government Response and Preparedness Authorities across Pakistan have issued cold weather alerts and advisories, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. Disaster management agencies are monitoring the situation, particularly in northern and mountainous regions where access can be cut off due to snow and ice. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and local administrations are working to ensure the availability of fuel, food supplies, and medical assistance. However, experts stress that long-term planning is essential, as extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Climate Change and Extreme Winters Meteorologists and climate scientists point out that while Pakistan has always experienced cold winters, the increasing intensity and unpredictability of such cold waves may be linked to broader climate patterns. Shifts in jet streams and changing atmospheric circulation can result in extreme cold spells in regions not always prepared for them. These events highlight the need for improved infrastructure, better energy management, and stronger disaster preparedness strategies to protect vulnerable populations. Resilience in the Face of the Cold Despite the freezing temperatures, stories of resilience continue to emerge. Communities in Hunza and other cold-hit areas are supporting one another, sharing firewood, food, and shelter. Volunteers and local organizations are stepping in to help those most in need, proving once again the strength of communal bonds in times of hardship. Conclusion As severe cold grips Pakistan and Hunza records a staggering −21°C, the country faces a challenging winter marked by health risks, energy shortages, and economic strain. Yet, amid the icy conditions, resilience and solidarity shine through. This cold wave serves as a reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness, cooperation, and compassion in overcoming even the harshest winters.
By Fiazahmedbrohi a day ago in Earth
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