Our Magnolia Tree

I was born and raised in the Midwest.

Iowa to be exact.

Home of many cornfields....

and pigs.

I will always consider myself a Midwestern Girl; an Iowan through and through...

though many of the most cherished things in my life have happened since I moved to The South.

I met my husband here...but he's a Midwesterner, too!

Oklahoma to be exact.

My son was born here in Atlanta, so he's a Southerner.

Had I not moved to the south, I most likely would never had uttered things like:

Y'all come over for dinner. I'll make black-eyed peas and collard greens.

~ or ~

I'd like a large sweet tea, please, with extra ice and lemon.

And, had I not moved to The South, I never would have been able to say,

I have a beautiful magnolia tree in my front yard.

We love our magnolia tree. It is big and beautiful and perfect for climbing.

It tells us that spring is officially here when we see those large white buds begin to appear.

Almost overnight, they begin to open, layer by delicate white layer. And they smell wonderful!

I can see the beautiful flowers on our magnolia tree from our kitchen and from our dining room.

The flowers can contain as many as 14 layers with a pretty yellow center. They are often described as having splendid beauty.

And I have to agree.

Our magnolia tree is both splendid and beautiful.

And also very special, because it's so Southern!