20 Comments
User's avatar
Madeleine Ann Eames's avatar

The same thing happened with my Magnolia! Love this message about slowing down, allowing life to set the pace. After all, who are we to know?

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

Right?! It’s amazing!

Expand full comment
Vicki Hackman's avatar

Love this story and the message. I've had so many similar experiences. Thanks for sharing, Maria.

Expand full comment
Donna J Brown's avatar

I love my Sweet Bay Magnolia. It is more like a bush. Several years ago a storm took out several branches including the lead branch. But it survived and blesses us with lovely blossoms.

Expand full comment
Lauren Johnson's avatar

I love reading this. I too am drawn to the magnolia and it has become one of my best selling painting series!

Expand full comment
J. Paul Moore's avatar

Maria, I love your story! We have much to learn from nature. I'm a huge fan of the deciduous native deciduous Magnolias. I have M. macrophylla, M. tripetela in my garden, as well as a giant Sweetbay that's at least 40’ tall! The fragrance is divine! I haven't been to the Millersville Native Plant Conference but I've been going to the Cullowhee Conference, off and on since 1989. Its a fabulous conference!

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

😍

Expand full comment
Susie Middleton's avatar

Oh my, I love this. what an inspiration, that little magnolia. And so wild that you almost cut it down but did not. A most excellent story. And I am glad for the reminded not to rush around.

And that turtle - wonderful.

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

Thanks! 🐢

Expand full comment
Barbara Schwartzbach's avatar

Yeah I finally subscribed

Expand full comment
James Van Bonn's avatar

I think in Buddhism they would say “stop pushing the river.” What a great reminder to slow down and be. This is genuine wisdom.

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

😊

Expand full comment
Barbara Schwartzbach's avatar

Love everything you share…..❤️🙏❤️

Expand full comment
Denise Foley's avatar

I would not have cut this chapter. It really resonated with me.

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

Talk to my editor! 😂 but it’s better now than it would have been then. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Doe's avatar

Love this so much! Thank you, Maria!

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

🥰

Expand full comment
Cindy's avatar

Loved your book so much, as did our book group. And now you’ve given us an inspiring bonus (with a message I need to hear often). Thank you!

Expand full comment
Maria Rodale's avatar

Yay! Thank you!

Expand full comment
Laura Scalzo's avatar

😭❤️

Expand full comment