" I feel more at peace, more alive, more balanced, than when I strive to be only feral or only safe. I thrive, having them both in my life"--yes! Reminds me of the Strength card in the Tarot,
I just came back from the south, where I fell in love with the southern magnolia, a tree I'd never seen before. There were so many in the neighborhood where I stayed, and they called me. The glossy leaves, the citrus scent of a grand flower that beckoned me from where my brother and I were strolling along a busy road--it was as though I fell into the flower and into another realm altogether. The tree had an entirely different energy than the local wild Catskill magnolias, trees I also love. Thank you for your post on wildness and comfort.
I live in Oregon, where I don't think Magnolias naturally grow. However, over the years landscapers have begun planting certain varieties here that are suitable for the climate. I hadn't really "met" Magnolia until I was, perhaps, in my forties. Taking a walk through the neighborhood I found on the sidewalk the most peculiar bud. It fascinated me with it's "style." It was large, fuzzy all over, the multi-faceted bud was green, a bit of the branch attached was brown and, in between I believe, it sported an amazing polka-dot pattern as well. It evoked a kind of wonder in me. I was sure it was something sacred. I took it home and put it on my altar.
Later, a friend identified it as a Magnolia bud. This quenched a part of my curiosity but didn't explain my obsession with it. There was something about it that I didn't understand. Something that spoke to me in a language I didn't understand--awakening a part of me that I didn't recognize. I did enough research to realize that it was a very ancient tree, which only added to its mystery. It remained on my altar for years, until, finally, I moved. By then it had turned brown and lost its fuzz. I was ready to let it go.
Reading your story gratifies that part of me that was so enamored. It's not just me!
A beautiful read! The need to be wild is human. And what best teacher than nature! I learn so much from you always. Much love to you and the magnolias 💓
I am amazed at how you "capture" the essence of flower scents. Magnolias are everywhere in East Texas where my mother grew up, and my grandmother lived. So luscious.
Ahhhh your writing calls to my spirit! Magnolia is my “root chakra plant ally” and I am absolutely in love with her scent. I do wish someone could bottle that smell of childhood citrus bliss!
Thank you once again as you somehow capture the essence of plants in a way that speaks to my soul!!
"I need both. I need to know I can be wild without having to give up my community. Longing for the wild forest and embracing my wild edges feeds me, helps me be attuned to all other life around me, a skill we all need to find new ways to rebalance our lives on this planet we all call home." Me too!!
" I feel more at peace, more alive, more balanced, than when I strive to be only feral or only safe. I thrive, having them both in my life"--yes! Reminds me of the Strength card in the Tarot,
I love this connection! Thank you, I can feel this too now.
I just came back from the south, where I fell in love with the southern magnolia, a tree I'd never seen before. There were so many in the neighborhood where I stayed, and they called me. The glossy leaves, the citrus scent of a grand flower that beckoned me from where my brother and I were strolling along a busy road--it was as though I fell into the flower and into another realm altogether. The tree had an entirely different energy than the local wild Catskill magnolias, trees I also love. Thank you for your post on wildness and comfort.
Oh Judith, I love how they captivated you! They love us SO much, so willingly share all they are with us. ❤️
Hi, Mary. Thank you for writing about Magnolias.
I live in Oregon, where I don't think Magnolias naturally grow. However, over the years landscapers have begun planting certain varieties here that are suitable for the climate. I hadn't really "met" Magnolia until I was, perhaps, in my forties. Taking a walk through the neighborhood I found on the sidewalk the most peculiar bud. It fascinated me with it's "style." It was large, fuzzy all over, the multi-faceted bud was green, a bit of the branch attached was brown and, in between I believe, it sported an amazing polka-dot pattern as well. It evoked a kind of wonder in me. I was sure it was something sacred. I took it home and put it on my altar.
Later, a friend identified it as a Magnolia bud. This quenched a part of my curiosity but didn't explain my obsession with it. There was something about it that I didn't understand. Something that spoke to me in a language I didn't understand--awakening a part of me that I didn't recognize. I did enough research to realize that it was a very ancient tree, which only added to its mystery. It remained on my altar for years, until, finally, I moved. By then it had turned brown and lost its fuzz. I was ready to let it go.
Reading your story gratifies that part of me that was so enamored. It's not just me!
Certainly not just you! I spent many years with no words for the deep knowing the flowers were infusing into me.❤️
A beautiful read! The need to be wild is human. And what best teacher than nature! I learn so much from you always. Much love to you and the magnolias 💓
Thanks Monika! Nature has SO much to teach us truly. 🌱
Beautiful ❤️ I stumbled upon you on Facebook rather than here on Substack. The flowers really do talk!
So glad you found me! ❤️
I am amazed at how you "capture" the essence of flower scents. Magnolias are everywhere in East Texas where my mother grew up, and my grandmother lived. So luscious.
Thanks Robin!
Ahhhh your writing calls to my spirit! Magnolia is my “root chakra plant ally” and I am absolutely in love with her scent. I do wish someone could bottle that smell of childhood citrus bliss!
Thank you once again as you somehow capture the essence of plants in a way that speaks to my soul!!
Thanks so much Jenny- so glad!
They are both so gorgeous!
Right?? They truly are.
Thank you for this gorgeous piece.
❤️❤️❤️
"I need both. I need to know I can be wild without having to give up my community. Longing for the wild forest and embracing my wild edges feeds me, helps me be attuned to all other life around me, a skill we all need to find new ways to rebalance our lives on this planet we all call home." Me too!!
So beautiful Mary. Looking forward to your book!!
Thanks my kindred spirit!