#ThursdayTreeLove | The Dance of the Magnolia

There is something arresting and unearthly about a magnolia tree in flower. Something that dances between divinity and dementia.  —Pavithra K. Mehta, Magnolia Tree

Louisiana girl that I am, the Southern Magnolia is [naturally] one of my favorite trees. I’ve been trying to “perfectly” capture the magnolia blossom for years. I remember stopping to photograph the blossoms whenever I could before our move from New Orleans because I wanted the perfect magnolia from New Orleans to deck one of our walls.

I managed to capture a few satisfactory shots before we left. They’re far less than perfect, but the expertly composed shots of the flower by my brother [on display in my parents’ home]  and other photographers encourage me to keep working on it.

“Inside the Magnolia”

So, here are my meager magnolia offerings for #ThursdayTreeLove. I shot some on campus a week ago just after a rain shower and some at my cousin’s house a couple of weeks ago before my grand color exploration with the tiny one.

I felt the photos needed texture, so I added just a little [hopefully] without compromising the natural beauty of the flowers and tree.

The magnolia leaf, so elegantly formed, remains strong and glossy even after its fall.

Some of the blossoms deserved the stroke of Impressionism, so I “painted” some.  I’ve come a long way with my art skills since I made a mess last week–thanks to the Impresso app. 😉

These are in various stages of bloom. My photo of a tightly closed bloom is “meh” at best, so I’ll spare you that one.

“And the time came…”

The tricky thing about photographing magnolias is finding ways around the height of the tree. The campus trees are really tall, but I was able to get nice “beneath the blossoms” shots.

“Twinsies”

“The Underside of Perfection”

The gorgeous “end” of the flower.

“Bald and Beautiful”

And finally, here’s a quick video I made of one of the magnolias on campus enjoying the company of the other trees. Thanks to Amanda, one of my photographer friends, for the tip about Pixaloop, which gave me the moving clouds and birds.

I quote Pavithra M at the beginning of this post. Her short piece, “Magnolia Tree” powerfully communicates the essence of the magnolia and our attraction to it. Be sure to click over and give it a read. But should you neglect doing so, I leave you with her closing words:

I think about this outlandish tree that races back to Time’s cradle, and its flowers that open alarmingly wide as if to swallow the sun, the way it gives itself madly to the moment. With radical generosity and no reservation. And what would be possible–if we could learn to live like that.

I am joining Parul Thakur for #ThursdayTreeLove every second and fourth Thursday of the month. If you would like to play along, post a picture of a tree on your blog and link it back to her latest #treelove post.

24 thoughts on “#ThursdayTreeLove | The Dance of the Magnolia”

  4. Natasha says:
    Reply

    Stunning and breathtaking gorgeousness, the Magnolias.
    A soothing visual treat, this post of yours, Chandra. And I love that quote. Out of the box, and extraordinary.

    We miss you on #wordlesswednesday. Hope you can link up soon. In case you think you can squeeze in time amidst your schedules, our linky is live till Tuesday, next week.
    Here you go:
    https://natashamusing.com/2019/06/weekend-vibes-wordlesswednesday/

    Have a blissful weekend!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Chandra Lynn says:
      Reply

      I didn’t realize #wordlesswednesday was back! I thought you were taking a longer break. But wait…now, that I think about it, I think I did see a post or two. It just didn’t click. I’ll be back in next week. I try to alternate with Thursday Tree Love, so I don’t feel pressured to do back-to-back posts. I’ll be sharing a bit of cuteness this weekend, so I’ll link my weekend post to #WW. Thanks for the compliment on the post! Hugs…

      Liked by 1 person

    • Chandra Lynn says:
      Reply

      I didn’t mention that in the post, but oh how I agree with you! I have such a difficult time with white flowers! Ugh! In fact, I mentioned that in my first draft of the post, but edited it out. I just continue practicing. The magnolia shots are better, I’m sure, because of the deep green leaves cradling the blossoms.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Parul Thakur says:
    Reply

    Beautiful shots, Chandra. I loved the little work you did on the pictures and that makes some pictures look like paintings. What software do you use? Magnolias are beautiful. I am not sure if I have seen a tree but that leaf does remind me of the same thought you shared. Strong even after they fall.
    Those opening and closing quotes are gorgeous. Thanks for linking up! I was reading your comment above and I also alternate between Thursday Tree Love and wordless Wednesday. That kind of schedule makes it easy.
    Looking forward to seeing you on the 11th July.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Pingback: Something Arresting… – Pics and Posts

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