My Steel Magnolias

A Regular Old Magnolia

It wasn't until this last summer that I can honestly say I ever laid eyes on a magnolia tree and knew for a fact that it was a magnolia. What a magnificently tall specimen of a magnolia it was, too.  Its Latin name magnolia grandiflora is so appropriate. I spotted the large white flowers first, and knew at once that what stood before me was a grand magnolia, full of fading blossoms.

  

Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the gigantic, sweet-smelling blooms were very delicate.  It must have been the end of their blossoming season because the flowers seemed to be drooping, holding themselves wide open before dropping their petals on the lawn below.  So this was a magnolia.  The green shiny leaves that surrounded the flowers showcased the flowers nicely. I'd never really given the foliage of Virginia much thought as a young girl.  Now that I have lived my life outside of my home state these thirty-odd years, I have a greater affection for everything about this place, and the people in it.

A Delicate Magnolia

My only connection to magnolias had been the 1989 movie called Steel Magnolias, featuring a group of small-town southern women who relied on each other as they faced the trials of their lives.  When the movie came out, I was a young mother with two small children dealing with trials of my own, working full-time, raising a family, and trying to make ends meet.  My family and best friends were a good support system, but over time, I reconnected with the girls from my high school.  We come from a small southern town in Virginia, and I now consider this tightly-knit group of friends MY steel magnolias.

My Steel Magnolias

Last summer our girlfriend gathering in Virginia turned into a Red Hat Society meeting.  We know we're not OLD enough, but we are silly enough to don the hats and pose for pictures.  One little suggestion of hats, and Margaret was in a frenzy to gather hats for all of us, and customize one for each of us with her daughter.  This sweet summer memory lingers with me.  I love the photographs; I love the hats; I love the girls.

We are all so grateful to have modern technology help us stay connected as some of us have scattered far and wide from the hub of our hometown.  Facebook, emails, and texts keep us updated on each other.  We have supported each other through the loss of parents, struggles with children, worries about grandchildren, the stress of full-time jobs on top of demands of family, and the challenges of relationships in this crazy world.

What a blessing to know that they always have my back.

In high school, I was a bit of an outsider.  I never managed the girlfriend scene very well.  Girls seemed so dramatic, and I enjoyed hanging out with my brothers and sisters more than getting involved in teen angst.  More recently, I have come to appreciate all of the women in my life, and have bonded with old friends and new as I make lasting connections with my female companions.  Whether we met each other through high school, college, work, or communities, we have become very good friends who can count on each other.

These Steel Magnolias have known me the longest; we have a history.  I will be forever grateful for reconnecting with them through the gift of modern technology, and for this wonderful occasion to have had face time with them.  I love them.  I just hope they know that.

Margaret and her daughter made each hat into a wonderful piece of art.

The Ever Elusive Sandman

Three in the morning.  Tossing.  Turning.  Blankets on.  Blankets off.  Am I awake for the day? Or can I settle back down and rest? 

Now that it's summer, I shouldn't worry at all about being alert or on my toes.  When you're facing a classroom full of 35 fifth graders, it's a totally different story.  Now that it's summer, and my retirement has begun, I just have to be awake enough to make casual conversation with my husband and not burn breakfast. 

So it's not school or work related; it's the best kind of stress:  EUSTRESS.  Have you heard of it?  It is stress that is deemed healthful or giving one the feeling of fulfillment.  This is the week of my little sister's wedding.  This is the week that we will travel cross-country and reconnect with family and familiar faces.  I have looked forward to this since Christmas when my little sister sent me a text message and a picture of her engagement ring, sharing her big news.

My mind is racing with packing lists and gift ideas, travel itineraries and hotel reservations, doggy daycare for Marley and car rental agreements.  Travel is so exciting, and at times, a little overwhelming. 

There are so many people I know and love in Virginia.  It is not the place of my birth, but it is the place I called home from infancy until high school graduation.  There are so many directions to which my heart is pulled.  I want to see everyone and I can never stay long enough because it seems there's always another visit to make and another place to go . My husband will meet my Virginia relatives for the first time.  My girlfriends from high school are gathering next weekend for a potluck lunch, and a rare chance to visit outside of Facebook. 

It's now five in the morning.  I've taken a warm bath and sipped a cup of Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea.  I gathered the items I was afraid I would forget to pack.  Sleep is so elusive at times, but perhaps I should give it another go.  Perhaps the sandman will come for a second time before the sun comes up.  Here's hoping...