After a perfect spring and early summer, the heat and humidity are finally here. I don't say "finally" as if I've been looking forward to this weather, oh no. But it is normal, so in a certain sense, by the end of June, I'm more comfortable when I'm uncomfortably hot. Does that make sense?
Now is the time of the tough flowers, the tigerlily, black-eyed susan, daisy. And it's finally hot enough, the days are finally long enough, to coax the magnolias into bloom. These flowers are huge, almost a foot in diameter, soft as velvet and deliciously citrus-y if you can get close enough to give them a sniff. The one in the pic above was hanging just at nose level. I love the little cluster of stamens resting on the gigantic petal.
The nice people on the weather channel are saying the stink in the air today indicates it's so full of ozone that it's "unhealthy for sensitives." That would include me. Therefore, I won't take a long walk with Jake this morning, but we do have to get out there because the magnolias are blooming. I wouldn't miss this seasonal moment for anything, even if it means I have to breathe a little poison air. Would you? Of course not!
10 comments:
Magnolias more than anything remind me of the South, that somewhat foreign country I come from. They were everywhere helping to block those strong rays of the sun. I don't miss the bigotry of the Florida panhandle, but I do miss the wonderful big trees like these magnolias.
What a beautiful bloom! Luscious. I can almost smell it ... I think they are exotic!
Wow, that photo is absolutely gorgeous. I'm going to have to go out and find one to sniff now!
it's official! http://partnersofpagans.blogspot.com/
oh, and back to your post about the rainbow, in all the press about the gay marriages in san francisco on june 17th, someone mentioned that there was a double rainbow in DC that day. then i read about it in your blog. Wild! (i just tried to go back and find the article, but couldn't)
I love magnolias. I'm with Barbara -- they remind me of Florida. I love the seed pods, when they emerge with their bright red seeds later in the year.
Magnolias are everywhere around here, and the essential oil is a key note in many of my fave perfumes.
re: your comments on Tangled-- all of the NYS correctional facilities have loads of programs and learning facilities, regular and law libraries etc... but more are always needed since most of the inmate population is serving time for violent crimes and are very undereducated. The men I saw on the street refurbishing that building were serving time for violent crimes, but in a low, or what NY calls a 'medium' security wing (of the same prison where son of sam and other serial killers are housed.)
Sing Sing's degree program with Mercy College is a worthy cause, all private funding--maybe we should get a walk a thon together!
Ched, wow! Incredible. Most states don't even try. Wow. Thanks.
first time to visit your lovely site...! your pictures are truly magical and love your dreamy references...beautiful. x janelle
I am finding that although I love to escape to AC when I can my body responds better when I am in a natural environment. If it is hot, I should be hot.
I am not really sure what 'full of ozone' means really. I feel like I must be having an idiot moment or something.
Once again Reya, I must comment on how poetic you are. I love reading how you string words together to make magic.
reya thats a spectacularly lovely photo, and you describe these just beautifully.
my parents used to have a tulip tree in their previous home, such a wonderful scent
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