Lessons from a Morning Coffee

Discovering the Wild in the Everyday

This morning, while sipping my coffee in the front yard, I had an unexpected encounter — a queen Yellow Jacket buzzed past my feet. Most people wouldn’t have noticed her. Others might have panicked or even tried to squash her. But I crouched down, drawn in by her distinct markings and powerful presence. She was a predator, a symbol of survival — a reminder that even in your own yard, nature is always at work.

Seeing the Unseen: The Outdoors Isn’t Always Big

How did I even notice her before my first sip of coffee?
Well, I’m a beekeeper. I work closely with insects and have trained myself to pay attention to the small things — the overlooked, the misunderstood, the essential.

In my earlier years, I was a long-distance backpacker. I hiked the Appalachian Trail, wandered the Rocky Mountains, and had memorable encounters with bears and mountain lions. But now, I realize how many tiny wonders I missed: endangered bumblebees, rare beetles, unique plants — I was walking through their world, unaware.

The Scout Lesson I Didn’t Understand Until Now

I remember a powerful moment from my days as a Scout, working toward the Environmental Science merit badge. One requirement was to sit alone in the woods for an hour — no phone, no snacks, just a pen and paper — and write down everything you saw.

At first, you see nothing. Just leaves, maybe a tree. But after a few minutes of stillness, the world opens up.
Ants marching in formation. Beetles scurrying. Slugs inching forward. Trees swaying and whispering in the breeze.
Back then, I didn't fully grasp the point. Now, standing in my front yard in my 40s, I finally do: there is a whole world beneath our boots.

A Queen’s Story: The Life of a Yellow Jacket

Most people think Yellow Jackets are just picnic raiders. But this queen had a hero’s journey.

She was born last fall, survived the winter in hibernation while the rest of her colony — including her mother — perished. Come spring, she emerged alone to:

• Build a new nest from chewed tree bark

• Hunt for food

• Collect water and nectar

• Lay eggs

• Defend the nest

• Care for her first generation of larvae

Unlike a honeybee queen, who’s pampered by thousands of workers, the Yellow Jacket queen earns her title. Only once her daughters grow into adults can she finally delegate.

Wasps are known as nature’s exterminators, hunting thousands of insects throughout their lives. They’re vital to a balanced ecosystem — and they deserve our respect.

Before she flew away, I jokingly suggested she try out the Lanternfly nymphs. Who knows, maybe she took the tip.

Nature is Everywhere — If You’re Paying Attention

Whether you’re standing in the Rockies, deep in a national forest, or just in your urban front yard, nature is alive. You just have to slow down and tune in to the small things — the buzz of a bee, the rustle of a tree, the smell of sunlit grass.

It’s easy to think of the outdoors as a destination — a weekend hike, a fishing trip, a national park. But the truth is:

The outdoors starts at your feet.

Everything in nature is connected. Bears need bees. Flowers need wasps. And we need all of them.

So the next time you’re outside — whether on a trail or just walking to your car — take a moment to notice the quiet life around you. Because even a simple morning coffee in New York City can become an adventure, if you’re paying attention.

Embrace the Teddy Outdoors Lifestyle

At Teddy Outdoors, we believe outdoor living isn’t about gear or destinations — it’s about connection. It’s about recognizing that the wild is everywhere, and that even the smallest creature can teach us something.

So slow down, step outside, and look closer.
And hey — don’t forget your coffee.