Why "Oh Magnolia"?

I figure I may as well go ahead and explain where "Oh Magnolia" came from since I am sure this question may come up eventually. :)

After having my son I realized my village was growing and changing since I was in a new season of life. I was so thankful for the friends that I had made since becoming a mama and the encouragement that they brought with them I so desperately needed. And honestly, most of the time it was through some form of social media that these relationships were made - Kacey included! - and I wanted to expand my reach but didn't know how. I wrote a few posts on my personal blog that really resonated with folks and knew that was the route I wanted to go. 

I recently found the music of Ellie Holcomb and fell in love instantly. Sister speaks to my heart. So when I heard the song "Magnolia" I listened to it as a friend speaking to a friend (at the time I took it as the Lord talking to me after a much needed wake up call from Him). When months later I was trying to think of a blog name this song kept creeping in and stuck with me. I wanted something Southern but simple so I made a list of words and started digging. Asking friends, looking up state birds and such, all while listening to my new favorite album. After listening to this song over and over and over and over (you get the idea) it was a no brainer. Here are the lyrics:

Oh Magnolia, won't you stay with me
Won't you wake up and see that I'm waiting
Oh Magnolia, won't you walk with me
Won't you let me be your sweet companion
Oh Magnolia, Oh Magnolia
You've been working till your hands they bleed

And your eyes can't see [a change you're wearing]
You've been hoping that you could make it right
But the more you try the more you're failing
Oh Magnolia, Oh Magnolia
Oh Magnolia, won't you please come home

Oh Magnolia, you don't have to walk alone
Oh Magnolia, won't you rest your head on my shoulder

You've been walkin' through this world alone

No place to call your home except your heartache
You've been tryin' to make it all work out
When the sun goes down your soul is burdened
Oh Magnolia, Oh Magnolia
Oh Magnolia, won't you please come home

Oh Magnolia, you don't have to walk alone
Oh Magnolia, won't you rest your head on my shoulder
Oh Magnolia, won't you stay with me

Won't you wake up and see that I'm waiting
Oh Magnolia, won't you walk with me
Won't you let me be your sweet companion
Oh Magnolia, Oh Magnolia, Oh Magnolia, Oh Magnolia

Obviously we live in the south and Magnolia is a dead giveaway to the fact that this blog is southern based. The word is also growing in popularity as a name, so it takes on a female form and she becomes a friend - boom! Look no further for your new favorite blog. She's here! And she's not judging you for the fact that you still have on your pajamas and it's 6pm. Why even change into new ones?


Welcome!

I guess that's what you say when you start a new blog?

I'm just going to be honest, I really have no idea what I am doing here with this little bloggity blog of mine, but it feels right. I love having my family blog, but am excited to see where this little girl child Magnolia takes me. I have been thinking about her for over a year, but didn't have the courage to put her out there for the world to meet. But, it's time. Thanks to listening to Katy Perry's "ROAR" all day I think I'm ready. HA! The logo may not be perfect, BUT done is better than perfect (thanks Lara Casey!) and I have a feeling that I will grow and evolve along with this child, so why not start from scratch? So, lets consider this Magnolia's birth. May it be less painful than that of my son :)

Through Oh Magnolia I look forward to introducing you to the voices of sweet souls that I love and are dear to me as we share whatever is on our hearts. Whether it is a great company/brand/idea that we love, a funny story that has to be shared, or a heart that needs to heal through writing - my prayer is that this blog serves as an encouragement and brings warmth to your spirit. I want to give a voice to the mamas, wives, sisters, daughters, aunts, friends, etc who are living this life the best we can. So, grab a blanket, warm drink, and get cozy. We have plenty to share and a spot on the couch waiting for you!