Oh Shoot! Manual Mode

Well, I am a bit behind (two weeks to be exact) on doing the week three task for my photography class at Jessica Sprague. During week three, we learned all about manual mode. I knew about metering but didn't fully understand how it works with aperture and shutter speed. I am still digesting it but slowly I am gaining a better understanding. I took my camera outside tonight and got a spectacular picture of my hyacinth flowers coming up! That's a sure sign of spring. (Click on image to make larger.... looks better that way)
What I am confused about is, why is my shutter speed so high? Amy? Help? Is it because the sun was SO bright and the shutter had to close much faster? :)