The Southern Magnolia

Magnolias are perhaps the loveliest symbols of the southern United States -- they are simple, elegant, and clean. Their petals are thick and soft, and so thoughtfully curled that one cannot help but (for me, attempt) to reach for the nearest blossom, marvel that it is bigger than one hand (or in my case, both), and then gladly release the branch and let the bobbing blossom bounce back to its comfortable place among the others.

The magnolia in our front yard, affectionately dubbed Maggie, was never really a big-time bloomer, so it was a pleasant surprise for the entire family to see, a few years ago, even one blossom peeking out from behind her oval-shaped leaves. Then, the next year, there were even more blossoms, and even more the next until finally she erupted in a sort of acne breakout of pure, silky blossoms not long ago. Not only are we pleased, but the bees are as well, if not even more than we are. Every time we look into one of the bowlish flowers, tons of bees can be seen waddling in and out of the petal folds in utter bliss, having a grand old time and not minding us in the slightest.

The South is so beautiful year round. Where I'm at, there's a little bit of everything, and anything else isn't too far away at all to go see. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone! ♥