Slightly Swaying but NOT Shivering Magnolia

It is COLD here at the OLD farmhouse where Robert and I are staying for a few weeks.

When I woke up this morn, the temp was 21 with a Real Feel of 14.

Oh my goodness!

This is Savannah, NOT Alaska.

Back off, Winter!

When I looked out the screen door (Doesn’t that sound country-ish?), I saw her, standing resolutely, albeit shivering in the cold. A young, perhaps teen, Southern Magnolia tree.

I just felt so sorry for her. Until she said, a bit loudly I thought for early morning, “Don’t pity me, sir. I’m fine, more than fine. I’m a Steel Magnolia.”

And then I realized that she wasn’t shivering at all — she was dancing.

I asked if I could film her. She sighed, but I could tell she was game. She gave me her permission.

Even with her youth, she looked so at ease, at one with her world. Confident of her place, her space, her bearing.

And even though I’m old enough to be her grandfather (if I were a tree), I felt like I should ask her something.

But, finally, I didn’t. I just stood there watching, warmed and encouraged by her presence.