Blushing...

Even though we are in the midst of a truly terrible drought, we have had a few days in the past week when we've had a passing shower.
At lunch, when I walked down to the bridge and back, I passed a number of stately magnolia trees which were planted when our new visitors' center opened. Seeing this reminded me of the cycle I first noticed when walking the gardens nearly every day. After the magnolia finishes producing those gorgeous platter-sized blossoms, a seed pod forms that at first is just a sort of beige, furry egg-shaped creation. Then the magic starts to happen.

Do you see the little blush of pink? Inside the furry pieces of the whole are the seeds that are starting to ripen. Those seeds will eventually turn bright red, and the pod will reflect that transition. It's really a beautiful thing - simple change. Then comes the finale - the time when all of the individual seedlets burst open to reveal the flaming red contents. Field day for the birds!

These trees are regularly watered, so they are fortunate. Less than a mile away, huge oak and pine trees are perishing in one of our largest city parks. They stand out, orangy-brown against the contrasting evergreens that have managed to stay alive.

Struggle is a difficult thing to watch wherever it is.

Magnolias and mothers...

I kept thinking I had a better photo of a magnolia blossom in full platter-sized regalia, and somewhere amongst the myriad of pictures I've taken at Bayou Bend, it seems to have hidden itself.

We are two days away from Mothers' Day - one of those Hallmark holidays meant to sell cards, flowers, chocolates, and brunches. However, being a mother myself, I have to say I do appreciate it. The celebration doesn't have to be a huge thing. Being together with your own mom, or as a mom, or celebrated by those to whom you have been like a mother - these are all simple pleasures.

So today, I send you a picture of what is blooming in the gardens these days. The blossom of a tree, no less. Interestingly enough, when I researched what the magnolia is said to symbolize, these were the words that were used:

Splendid beauty and dignity. Perseverance. Nobility. Sweetness. With love for nature.

Hmmm. Actually sounds like qualities of many of the mothers I know. What a coincidence, right? Happy Mothers' Day!