I was in Sarasota for the US Rowing Nationals. Perfect weather — though hot.
Took a drive to Siesta Key, which was fun.
I live on the other side of the state, so went home via Alligator Alley.
Before leaving I stayed a night in Fort Myers and drove up through Sanibel and Captiva. So sad to see such devastation from Hurricane Ian almost two years ago.
Buckle your seatbelt — it’s supposed to be an active hurricane season.
All I can say tonight is WOW! You have touched my heart in a moment I needed it terribly. Grief is a crazy ride with such unknown and unpredictable ups and downs! Thank You Sean and God bless your willingness to share your heart with hearts that are waiting for someone to share!
My mom’s favorite tree, she is with the Lord but the tree greets me every day. Springtime it has amazing flowers, but every once in a while, a renegade blossom will burst forth, which is unusual in New England. It’s my mom saying “hello” 💗💗💗
I, too, grew up with a magnificent magnolia in the back yard. My dad had planted it soon after he and my mother moved into the house he built for her, way back in 1939. I used to actually climb into the tree and sit on a sturdy branch, while the breezes blew, the birds flitted through and sang their songs. The flowers to me are among the most gorgeous in the world (although orchids are pretty great, too)! I have since sold the house I grew up in, because I knew I would never live there again, but i still sometimes think about that wonderful tree that helped raise me. I wonder if it is still there, but I dare not visit to see. because the live oak tree that grew from an acorn I planted is likely also not there any longer. The trees that remain at a home are generally those that have a personal story for the owner.
Unfortunately, it's a long way away, about a 16-hour drive. and I have no reason to go there any more. No family there, not even many friends left down there. It was home for many years, but after 25 years in this house, this is home.
I hope so. But I know the house is now used more for a community center for snowbirds who bring their RVs down for the winter in far south Texas. It was not who I wanted to sell the property to, but in Texas, I was told if a person offers a full price cash, one legally cannot turn it down, so I sold it. I just pray that the magnolia and the oak trees, the ones I planted and the ones that Daddy planted are still there. A friend who was visiting his dad in the area some years ago, sent me photos of the house in a rare occurrence of snow on the ground, and the trees were still there. So I think they must be well cared for.
Dat's a wild one Pone. I didn't know you built yor house in da Ham. I'm guessing you borrowed Dat piture! Dint see your scrawl on it. Not sure how dey relate to yor readers, but I'm a magnolia fan too. My wife's childhood nurse maid was a fantastic black lady by the name of Magnolia. She helped raise our kids too. Da best!
To me, magnolia trees are beautiful beyond measure. Uniquely southern, you can't help staring at them - their height, the fullness of their branches, their waxy, shiny dark green leaves, punctuated by big creamy white blossoms. And the scent of those blossoms is like nothing else - something between lemon and vanilla, and remanescent of gardenias. Much loved is the woman - the mother - who is compared by her child to a magnolia tree! Thank you, Sean, for protecting it when it could have been lost.
My mother also loved Magnolias. So much so, she once stole one from the lot of a home under construction and planted it in our yard. Last time I saw it, it was 50 feet tall or so. I sure hated raking those leaves, but the blossoms were awe inspiring. Mom is in Heaven now … if they allow tree thieves … sitting under her own Magnolia. God bless you, Marian. You’re missed.
A gracious good morning and happy Sonday to all yall. Beautiful story Sean. The boys each planted their mom a magnolia for mothers day, 25 years ago. They are both beautiful trees today. The current generation doesn't plant magnolias because of the constant leaf shedding. Too much work you see. Im proud to be a tree hugger. Yall have a day that makes a difference in someone's life and... Peace
When my Once in a Life Time dog died in '99, friends gave me a Blanchard magnolia in a 3-gal pot. I can see the top of it, now, between 40 and 50 feet high, across the road at my old place. Upon scaling down and building a retirement (sorta) home, dubbed "Dogs' Little Acre," I immediately planted a dozen Little Gem magnolias along the fence lines, and an early blooming Japanese magnolia just outside the "sleepin' porch." First year sleep, second year creep, third year leap. They have started to LEAP! Planting a tree is planting a future MEMORY, Ric.
Would be very complimented if you use it. The "retirement" acreage is actually 1.17 acres. The previous place, 5+ acres, home of several adopted rescue dogs and site of two decades of fostering shelter dogs, also had an "appropriate" name. Two huge turkey fig trees, planted as seedlings, graced the premises. Each summer I would cook up big batches of their fruit by my Big Mama's recipe, place them into pint sized Mason jars with fancy labels reading "DOG POOP ACRES Fig Preserves" and the year, to give as Christmas and hostess gifts. (Also delectable on a hot buttered cat head biscuit...)
I had a cat named Harry. He had a heart as big as his belly. I loved that cat but he loved me more. My husband buried him under a little Magnolia tree at the house we lived in in 2017. I ever particularly loved Magnolia trees but I sure love my Harry Catus.
Oh Sean, this one speakers to my heart.
I made the plunge & moved from Philly to Sarasota just 1 week ago.
When I was leaving the home a few weeks ago after the preview, I walked out the front door
& I stood in awe of a 25 year old majestic magnolia…she is stunning!
The birds, squirrels love her & even the armadillos 🫣 hang out too!
I always wanted one but all 10 homes I’ve lived in not a one had a magnolia.
I love your story ~ I love my “Maggie” & look forward to her beautiful blooms. 💖
What a week to be in Sarasota! I hope you didn’t get flooded.
Thanks….the bad flooding took place north of me but I did see plenty of heavy rain
my 1st couple of days here!
Most days have been sunny with clouds rolling in mid afternoon, sometimes a shower for
an hour then the sun appears again for a beauty sunset!
Have a great day! ☀️💕☀️
I was in Sarasota for the US Rowing Nationals. Perfect weather — though hot.
Took a drive to Siesta Key, which was fun.
I live on the other side of the state, so went home via Alligator Alley.
Before leaving I stayed a night in Fort Myers and drove up through Sanibel and Captiva. So sad to see such devastation from Hurricane Ian almost two years ago.
Buckle your seatbelt — it’s supposed to be an active hurricane season.
I’ve been thru tons of extreme weather in my life time living in many states ~ good advice, seat belt is buckled ~ thanks!!!
All I can say tonight is WOW! You have touched my heart in a moment I needed it terribly. Grief is a crazy ride with such unknown and unpredictable ups and downs! Thank You Sean and God bless your willingness to share your heart with hearts that are waiting for someone to share!
My mom’s favorite tree, she is with the Lord but the tree greets me every day. Springtime it has amazing flowers, but every once in a while, a renegade blossom will burst forth, which is unusual in New England. It’s my mom saying “hello” 💗💗💗
I, too, grew up with a magnificent magnolia in the back yard. My dad had planted it soon after he and my mother moved into the house he built for her, way back in 1939. I used to actually climb into the tree and sit on a sturdy branch, while the breezes blew, the birds flitted through and sang their songs. The flowers to me are among the most gorgeous in the world (although orchids are pretty great, too)! I have since sold the house I grew up in, because I knew I would never live there again, but i still sometimes think about that wonderful tree that helped raise me. I wonder if it is still there, but I dare not visit to see. because the live oak tree that grew from an acorn I planted is likely also not there any longer. The trees that remain at a home are generally those that have a personal story for the owner.
Mam, that oak tree you planted is probably a beautiful shade tree in that yard now. I would sure go back to see it.
Unfortunately, it's a long way away, about a 16-hour drive. and I have no reason to go there any more. No family there, not even many friends left down there. It was home for many years, but after 25 years in this house, this is home.
Well, then, perhaps someone is now enjoying the lovely shade provided by the little acorn you planted back when for future families.
I hope so. But I know the house is now used more for a community center for snowbirds who bring their RVs down for the winter in far south Texas. It was not who I wanted to sell the property to, but in Texas, I was told if a person offers a full price cash, one legally cannot turn it down, so I sold it. I just pray that the magnolia and the oak trees, the ones I planted and the ones that Daddy planted are still there. A friend who was visiting his dad in the area some years ago, sent me photos of the house in a rare occurrence of snow on the ground, and the trees were still there. So I think they must be well cared for.
Oh, that's wonderful to hear, Mam! That's a good consolation. I'm so glad you got to see pictures.
Dat's a wild one Pone. I didn't know you built yor house in da Ham. I'm guessing you borrowed Dat piture! Dint see your scrawl on it. Not sure how dey relate to yor readers, but I'm a magnolia fan too. My wife's childhood nurse maid was a fantastic black lady by the name of Magnolia. She helped raise our kids too. Da best!
Yor tree surgeon,
Pubert Earle
To me, magnolia trees are beautiful beyond measure. Uniquely southern, you can't help staring at them - their height, the fullness of their branches, their waxy, shiny dark green leaves, punctuated by big creamy white blossoms. And the scent of those blossoms is like nothing else - something between lemon and vanilla, and remanescent of gardenias. Much loved is the woman - the mother - who is compared by her child to a magnolia tree! Thank you, Sean, for protecting it when it could have been lost.
My mother also loved Magnolias. So much so, she once stole one from the lot of a home under construction and planted it in our yard. Last time I saw it, it was 50 feet tall or so. I sure hated raking those leaves, but the blossoms were awe inspiring. Mom is in Heaven now … if they allow tree thieves … sitting under her own Magnolia. God bless you, Marian. You’re missed.
Ernie, probably a good thing they didn't have cameras back then on the neighboring homes.
A gracious good morning and happy Sonday to all yall. Beautiful story Sean. The boys each planted their mom a magnolia for mothers day, 25 years ago. They are both beautiful trees today. The current generation doesn't plant magnolias because of the constant leaf shedding. Too much work you see. Im proud to be a tree hugger. Yall have a day that makes a difference in someone's life and... Peace
When my Once in a Life Time dog died in '99, friends gave me a Blanchard magnolia in a 3-gal pot. I can see the top of it, now, between 40 and 50 feet high, across the road at my old place. Upon scaling down and building a retirement (sorta) home, dubbed "Dogs' Little Acre," I immediately planted a dozen Little Gem magnolias along the fence lines, and an early blooming Japanese magnolia just outside the "sleepin' porch." First year sleep, second year creep, third year leap. They have started to LEAP! Planting a tree is planting a future MEMORY, Ric.
Yo Fay. Can I please use "Dogs Lil acre " I love it ! Have a great night and
Peace
Would be very complimented if you use it. The "retirement" acreage is actually 1.17 acres. The previous place, 5+ acres, home of several adopted rescue dogs and site of two decades of fostering shelter dogs, also had an "appropriate" name. Two huge turkey fig trees, planted as seedlings, graced the premises. Each summer I would cook up big batches of their fruit by my Big Mama's recipe, place them into pint sized Mason jars with fancy labels reading "DOG POOP ACRES Fig Preserves" and the year, to give as Christmas and hostess gifts. (Also delectable on a hot buttered cat head biscuit...)
This really touched my heart and soul tonight. Life has just been really hard the last month or so. You gave me hope. Thank you, Sean.❤️
Who knew ?
Another fine allegory for “life can be hard, and you CAN do this!”
I had a cat named Harry. He had a heart as big as his belly. I loved that cat but he loved me more. My husband buried him under a little Magnolia tree at the house we lived in in 2017. I ever particularly loved Magnolia trees but I sure love my Harry Catus.
Oh my gosh. How do you do it?
Such a beautiful analogy.
Btw, We love magnolias and say, “Magnolias in May” because we filled the Old Stone church with them when we got married in May 40 years ago.
Maybe the wisest creation on the planet
Love this story, Sean! Happy Father’s Day to the World’s Best Godfather!
A beautiful story of a steadfast, beautiful tree. I think that their blossoms are beautiful even when they fall to the ground.
Your mother must be all smiles now.
I love this beautiful ode to a gorgeous tree and your gorgeous, courageous mother.